bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Far-right rhetorics and deconstructions in Brazilian educational policies
Authors: Segatto Catarina , Alves Mario Aquino , Pineda Andréa Martini
Published: November 2024

Brazil's education policy has historically been marked by significant inequalities in access and quality, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations. Over the past two decades, Brazil has implemented substantial changes aimed at reducing inequality, promoting inclusion, and addressing racial and gender disparities. However, the rise of radical right-wing populism, particularly under President Jair Bolsonaro (2018-2022), resulted in a shift in educational policy. This article examines how radical right groups have influenced education policy in Brazil. Bolsonaro's administration, supported by conservative and religious groups, sought to reverse progressive policies related to gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic diversity and inclusion. These changes reinforced societal norms, traditional values, and nationalism, rejecting multiculturalism and adopting forms of othering. The findings are based on previous research that involded qualitative analysis of documents and interviews.
The radical right and the university: Reclaiming value neutrality in higher education
Authors: Peker Efe
Published: November 2024

Radical right parties, movements, and actors on both sides of the Atlantic have reproached universities for creating an intolerant left-wing intellectual and institutional climate. They have made repeated calls to restore neutrality in higher education to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom. A closer analysis reveals that these critiques are less about neutrality and freedom, and more about exerting their own politico-ideological influence on universities. Yet, the insincerity of many such critics should not obscure the broader fact that a problem of excessive normativity (and relatedly, growing public disconnect) may indeed exist in higher education. Rather than engage in political polarisation and partisanship, universities – both at the professorial and administrative levels – could benefit from mobilising a principled notion of value neutrality, as conceptualised by Max Weber, as an academic value in itself.
Saturação por Bases e Doses de Fósforo (P) no Crescimento Inicial de Mudas de Jacaranda cuspidifolia
Authors: Botelho Rosangela Araujo , Costa Patrícia Paz da , Semprebom Jessica Prince , Ramos Vieira Cristiane
Published: November 2024

A caroba (Jacaranda cuspidifolia) é uma espécie florestal nativa com potencial para ser utilizada em recomposições florestais, porém, para isso, há que se entender mais a respeito das exigências nutricionais desta espécie. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a saturação por bases e diferentes níveis de Fósforo (P) no crescimento inicial das mudas de caroba. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos e seis repetições: T0 – 100% solo; T1 – V50%; T2 – V60%; T3 – V50% + 50 kg ha-1 de P2O5; T4 – V50% + 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5; T5 – V50% + 150 kg ha-1 de P2O5; T6 – V60% + 50 kg ha-1 de P2O5; T7 – V60% + 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5; T8 – V60% + 150 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Para caracterizar o crescimento das mudas nessas condições foram avaliadas as características morfológicas ao final de 90 (noventa) dias. Verificou-se que a adição de calcário deve proporcionar o aumento da saturação por bases do solo para 50% ou para 60%, porém este deve ser incrementado com 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Considerando a economia do processo de produção de mudas, recomenda-se, portanto, V50% + 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5 durante a produção de mudas de J. cuspidifolia.
Palavras-chave: Caroba. Calagem. Fosfatagem. Nutrição de Plantas. Viveiro.
Abstract
Carob (Jacaranda cuspidifolia) is a native forest species with potential to be used in forest recomposition; however, it is necessary to understand more about the nutritional requirements of this species. The present study had as objective to evaluate base saturation and different P levels in the initial growth of carob seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with nine treatments and five replications: T0 - 100% soil; T1 - V50%; T2 - V60%; T3 - V50% + 50 kg ha-1 of P2O5; T4 - V50% + 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5; T5 - V50% + 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5; T6 - V60% + 50 kg ha-1 of P2O5; T7 - V60% + 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5; T8 - V60% + 150 kg ha-1 P2O5. In order to characterize the growth of carob seedlings under these conditions, morphological characteristics were evaluated after 90 days. It was found that the addition of limestone should increase the base saturation to 50% or 60%, but it should be increased with 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5. Considering the economics of the seedling production process, therefore, V50% + 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5 is recommended for soil during J. cuspidifolia seedling production.
Keywords: Carob. Lliming. Phosphating. Plant nutrition. Nursery.
Uso de Biodigestores em Estação de Tratamento de Esgoto
Authors: Silva Leandro de Oliveira
Published: November 2024

Com o crescente aumento da população mundial se amplia a necessidade do tratamento adequado dos resíduos gerados. Uma estação de tratamento de efluentes (ETE) tem diferentes etapas, sendo assim o tratamento de esgoto é fundamental para a saúde e o meio ambiente, quando o mesmo não acontece pode haver a contaminação das fontes de águas potáveis como lençóis freáticos, minas e rios, contribuindo desse modo com a propagação de doenças. Tradicionalmente, o tratamento de águas residuais compreende processos químicos, físicos e biológicos, cada um com suas peculiaridades. No entanto, no processo biológico surge uma oportunidade única, na qual se pode  beneficiar de um subproduto, como o biogás e o biofertilizantes, isso porque os biodigestores surgiram como uma tecnologia alternativa junto ao tratamento de esgoto doméstico, em comunidades carentes de baixa renda e com difícil acesso às grandes áreas urbanas, seu uso vem ganhando atenção como uma forma sustentável e econômica no processo de tratamento de resíduos. Esses são reatores, que por meio de um processo anaeróbico, convertem a matéria orgânica em biogás, que por sua vez, quando tratados podem ser utilizados como fonte de energia renovável. E recurso importante no mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo e para o sistema de venda de crédito em carbono para o mercado.
Palavras-chave: Biodigestores. Saneamento Básico. Energias Renováveis. Biogás.
Abstract
With the increasing growth in the world population, the need for adequate treatment of waste generated increases. An effluent treatment plant (ETE) has different stages, so sewage treatment is essential for health and the environment. When this does not happen, there may be contamination of drinking water sources such as groundwater, mines and rivers, thus contributing to the spread of diseases. Traditionally, wastewater treatment comprises chemical, physical and biological processes, each with its own specialists. However, in the biological process a unique opportunity arises, where we can benefit from a by-product, such as biogas and biofertilizers, because biodigesters have emerged as an alternative technology alongside the treatment of domestic sewage in poor, low-income communities with difficult access to large urban areas, its use has been gaining attention as a sustainable and economical way in the waste treatment process. These are reactors that, through an anaerobic process, convert organic matter into biogas, which in turn, when treated, can be used as a source of renewable energy. It is an important resource in the clean development mechanism and the system for selling carbon credits to the market.
Keywords: Biodigesters. Basic Sanitation. Renewable Energy. Biogas.
Results of Outreach Referral Program After Failed In-School Eye Examinations
Authors: Tucker Kayla , Erzurum Sergul A. , Kuraan Tahir
Published: November 2024

Background: The absence of childhood vision care has detrimental consequences on development and learning.1 The Vision Health Initiative Committee (VHI) was established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mandate school vision screenings.2 Improved detection does not translate into vision care. Poor compliance for follow-up remains an issue. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an outreach referral program specializing in assisting families with recommended follow-up care for children following in-school eye examinations.
Methods: A mobile vision van provided in-school eye examinations and dispensed eyeglasses to at-risk children. Referrals for in-office evaluation were generated for children with more serious medical conditions. Each family was contacted via phone call and/or text message to assist in scheduling their child with an eye examination. Results of the communications were tabulated and analyzed.
Results: The mobile vision van program completed 13 260 vision screenings and provided 2185 eye examinations to children in Northeast Ohio. Out of the 2185 examinations, 238 (11%) students required further evaluation. Of those 238 , the families of 165 (70%) were successfully contacted; 75 (45%) families had scheduled their own follow-up appointment, 77 (47%) families needed assistance to schedule an examination, and 13 (8%) families were not interested in further assistance. Of the 77 receiving assistance with scheduling, 54 (70%) families kept the scheduled appointment and received care at no cost.
Conclusion: This study further substantiates the health disparity in eye care. It demonstrates the importance of in-school vision examinations and the value of an outreach referral program which includes education and assistance with scheduling appointments.
Maintaining interventional cardiology services at times of war; experience of Sudan National Cardiac Center
Authors: Edris Shereen , Bashir Magdolin , Mohammed Mujahed , Elsammani Nafisa , Hamid Eltayeb , Adam Braa , Mohamed Salah , Suliman Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases is a major health challenge in Sudan as in other African countries. Percutaneous interventions are a major cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular diseases with many African countries struggling to provide these services to their affected population. Since April 2018 a national fully-supported government cardiac catheterization program was adopted to deliver all coronary interventions and some selected valve interventions free of charge through public and affiliated centers distributed nationwide. Sudan National Cardiac Centre (NCC) is the main body overlooking this program and participating centers. In mid-April of 2023 armed conflict broke out in Sudan with major disruption in healthcare provision including cardiac service. More than four million people have been displaced and more than one million fled to neighboring countries. Aims: To report on the data of Sudan National Cardiac Center program for cardiac catheterization since inception and the impact of armed conflict on provision of services. Methods: Annual data from Sudan National Cardiac Center were obtained and analyzed from 2018 to 2023 as well as monthly reports for from May 2023 to June 2024. Data collected were number of operational centers, total number of procedures performed, number of individual procedures performed, and the average annual cost of the program. Pre-conflict and post-conflict data were also compared. Results: A total of 38,694 cardiac catheterization procedures were performed under the Sudan National Program from 2018 to 2023 with average annual frequency of 6449. Coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions, permanent pacemaker insertion, percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and congenital interventions constituted 64.7%, 22.8%, 9.3%,1.3 % and 1.9% of the total procedures respectively. Ten centers participated in the program, half of them located in the capital. By end of 2023 and mid 2024 the number of operational centers were 5 and 4 respectively. In 2022 the monthly average volume was 674 compared to 385 in May-Dec 2023 and 256 in Jan-June 2024 constituting a 52% and 62% drop in volume. The average annual cost of the program was approximately 5.4 million US dollars. Conclusion: Armed conflicts have significant impact on provision of healthcare services. A government funded program for interventional cardiac procedure in Sudan continues to operate despite the war, however with significant limitations. Re-allocation of professional work-force, funding medical supplies availability and management, patient freedom of movement and secure access to active centers remain the main obstacles.
CAR-NK therapy approaches for targeting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in solid tumors
Authors: Hays Priya
Published: November 2024

Background: Adoptive cellular therapies have gained considerable ground while becoming an established form of therapy for hematologic malignancies, now a fifth pillar of treatment after chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and targeted therapies. The most prominent example is chimeric antigen T cell receptor therapies. These therapies have shown superior clinical efficacy in hematologic malignancies, but are less effective against solid tumors. This paper describes the combination of CAR T cells with the innate immune cells natural killer cells in solid tumors in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Results: CAR NK cells have been shown in a number of solid tumors in the context of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to have clinical efficacy and exhibit superior safety profiles when compared with original CAR T cells. In preclinical models and ongoing clinical studies, anti-tumor activity has been shown in prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma and ovarian cancer that benefits from the inherent cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Conclusion: Future studies should focus on using the advantages of CAR NK cells in clinical and translational settings.
Including Arts Practices in a Policy Framework to Reduce the Burden of Neurodegenerative Disease: dance for people with Parkinson’s
Authors: Houston Sara
Published: November 2024

As cases of Parkinson’s Disease rise in Europe, there is an urgency to reduce its burden on those living with Parkinson’s and on health services. Whilst the search for a cure is on-going, and the use of medication is an on-going experiment for many people, the engagement with non-pharmaceutical interventions is imperative. Under this topic, the 2024 Policy Framework to Reduce the Burden of Neurodegenerative Diseases in Europe and Beyond notes the important role that non-pharmaceutical interventions play. In exploring in detail the contribution of arts practices, in particular dancing, this paper argues that they have a potentially impactful role to play as non-pharmaceutical interventions for people with Parkinson’s. This discursive article critically engages with current research discussing what factors are important to be considered for the integration of arts practices – in particular dancing - in a successful implementation of a roadmap for better relieving the burden of Parkinson’s. Key points laid out include: It needs to be recognised that arts practices are heterogenous and do not have treatment goals, but do emphasise what the person brings to a process. The lack of standardisation and goals are to be embraced, rather than criticised for being difficult to measure. The evidence around dancing for people with Parkinson’s is not conclusive, yet largely positively framed. To increase understanding of what quality of life and relief of burden feels like to people with Parkinson’s - and so greater success in implementing arts practices as NPIs in a Europe-wide policy - a broader range of studies from different disciplines need to be used in researching or reviewing this area of work; researchers need to actively listen to what matters to people with Parkinson’s and be critically reflective of their own studies consequently. The Action Plan for non-pharmacological interventions in the Policy Framework is welcomed. Policy implementation needs to happen in consultation with dance organisations operating strategically around Europe, with people with Parkinson’s and with those who are underrepresented in Parkinson’s initiatives and dance activity.
Comparison of serum risk factors for mortality from COVID-19
Authors: García Valeria , Altamirano Gustavo , Martínez Monica , Curi Pedro
Published: November 2024

ackground and Aims: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a proinflammatory state that causes elevation of multiple serum variables. It has been observed that some biochemical alterations in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can be prognostic markers of severity and mortality. This study aims to compare different serum biomarkers to determine whether their alteration is associated with mortality due to COVID-19. Methods: A case-control clinical study was carried out including patients with COVID-19 which were divided into two groups: with clinical improvement and those who died. Sociodemographic, clinical and serum variables (blood count, blood chemistry, lipid profile, markers of acute inflammation and troponin I) were studied. The serum variables were analyzed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, the Odds Ratio (OR) value was analyzed and the predictive value of each one was evaluated using the area under the curve. Results: Of the 285 patients included, 161 showed clinical improvement and 124 died. It was established that lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) has the best predictive value for mortality, followed by troponin I and IL-6. Conclusions: Elevated LDH upon hospital admission was found to have the best predictive value for mortality, followed by troponin I and interleukin 6 (IL-6). It was determined that the serum variables with the best prognostic value for severity and mortality are associated with cardiovascular damage, so we infer that if the SARS-CoV-2 virus considerably affects the heart, patients have a higher risk of death during their hospital stay.
Promotion of Breastfeeding: Fed by Breastmilk is Best
Authors: Mendelson Sherri
Published: November 2024

Breastmilk feeding has numerous evidence-based benefits to the health of the baby and the breastfeeding parent as well as economic benefits to the family and society. Positive support for breastfeeding prior to birth and at each stage post-birth must include patient and family education and resources. Identifying negative approaches and barriers to breastfeeding support will help to improve breastfeeding rates to elevate health of the breastfeeding parent and baby. Movements such as Fed Is Best encourage new parents having concerns or difficulties with breastfeeding to resort to formula either as a supplement or exclusively, rather than continue exclusive breastfeeding while seeking and receiving lactation assistance, which often ends their breastfeeding intentions with potential for adverse health implications. The intent of this article is to outline how to promote health through breastfeeding and provision of appropriate structures and processes to strengthen social determinants of health (SDOH) for breastfeeding success. Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health. According to The World Health Organization, “This is accomplished by building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, and strengthening community action and personal skills.”1 Social determinants of health are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. Social conditions may include income; availability of healthcare; social support networks; education. Structural conditions may include public policies, culture and societal values, and governmental values. War or pandemics can overlap social and structural conditions that are SDOH. According to Dr. Ruth Petersen, director of The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, “Breastfeeding is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition. We must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed.”2
The Impact of Fidelity on Behavioral Health Outcomes Among Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness and Co-Occurring Disorders
Authors: Bruzios Kathryn , Andre Michael , Shaffer Paige , Cooper Brittany , Smelson David
Published: November 2024

Background: People with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders who experience chronic homelessness often have difficulty engaging in both treatment and support services. Maintaining Independence and Sobriety through Systems Integration, Outreach and Networking (MISSION) is a multicomponent wraparound integrated co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders treatment and linkage intervention comprised of three evidence-based components (Critical Time Intervention case management and peer support, Dual Recovery Therapy, and Peer Support). Although prior MISSION studies have demonstrated positive outcomes for this population, and fidelity (i.e., fidelity to the model) has predicted improvements in criminal legal outcomes, the present study builds on these findings by examining to what extent fidelity to the MISSION model improves behavioral health and housing outcomes. Methods: Individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders experiencing chronic homelessness (N = 108) completed a comprehensive intake and were offered up to 12-months of MISSION treatment and services. Services received and fidelity to the MISSION model were tracked weekly. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine whether fidelity to the overall MISSION model and to each component predicted improvements in behavioral health, substance use, and housing stability outcomes. Results: Among the sample, 70.3% were male, 78.8% were non-Hispanic, 72.3% were White, and were homeless for 8.3 years on average. Fidelity to the overall MISSION model ranged from 0.0 to 296.0%. Generalized linear mixed models demonstrated mixed relationships between fidelity to the MISSION model (and each component) including improvements in behavioral health, reduced overall illicit substance use and alcohol use in the past 6-months, and improvements in housing stability. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that fidelity to the MISSION model had a direct impact on improving outcomes for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders who have experienced chronic homelessness. These findings have important implications for settings that implement MISSION or other multicomponent interventions as fidelity to the model will yield greater behavioral health, substance use, and housing stability improvements.
On Problem-Solving as Parallel Processing in a Network with the Limited Number of Connections Between Neuron-Like Units
Authors: Prudkov Pavel , Rodina Olga
Published: November 2024

Problem-solving is considered a sequential process, when one thought is a prerequisite for the next one. However, most mental processes are parallel. Based on assumptions that thinking can be considered processing information in a network of neuron-like units functioning in parallel, we hypothesized parallel processing always occurs in problem-solving. We suggest there are individual differences regarding the easiness of the emergence of task-related but supplementary thoughts that can be applied to elucidate how parallel processing influences problem-solving. A questionnaire on the emergence of supplementary thoughts was designed. It was hypothesized there may be positive correlation coefficients between scores on the questionnaire and scores on problem-solving tasks and the times taken to perform these tasks. A total of 700 freelancers participated in three experiments. Four tasks were used to characterize problem-solving. To study the relationship between parallel processing and processing speed the simple reaction time task was used. A short-term memory task was used to investigate the relationship between parallel processing and working memory. Cronbach's alpha for the questionnaire was 0.683. All correlation coefficients between scores on the questionnaire and the variables derived from the problem-solving tasks were significant. A correlation coefficient between scores on the short-term memory task and scores on the questionnaire was insignificant. A partial correlation between reaction times and scores on the questionnaire was insignificant. There was a positive correlation between scores on the questionnaire and age. Thus, unlike other characteristics associated with flexibility in thinking, parallel processing is not deteriorated with age. An explanation for this fact is suggested.
The Effect of Postnatal Golden Hour Practices on Preterm Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Ozalkaya Elif , Çolak Gökhan , Topçuoğlu Sevilay , Sancak Selim , Dinçer Emre , Alkan Özge , Karatekin Güner
Published: November 2024

Aim: Although the survival rates of extremely premature babies have increased significantly in recent years, these babies have a high risk of morbidity. The period covering the process of the newborn leaving the mother's womb and moving to the neonatal unit with resuscitation is called golden minutes. Coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to extremely low birth weight babies who are open to sudden changes of blood pressure, blood sugar, body temperature and respiratory parameters will prevent many short and long-term complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate postnatal golden hour practices in our own center and to contribute to the literature by evaluating its effect on premature morbidity. Methods: 105 very low birth weight (<1500 gram) neonates born in University of Health Sciences Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between April 2021 and April 2022 were included in our study. The frequency of the antenatal meeting, late cord clamping, hypothermia protection, respiratory support, cardiovascular support, nutritional support, infection prevention practices, and the frequency of morbidity and mortality of the patients were recorded. The effect of golden hour practices on morbidity and mortality was evaluated. Result: Gestational age of 105 patients included in the study was between 20+2 and 35+3 week; birth weights were between 350-1490 grams. We determined that antenatal meeting, protection from hypothermia, respiratory and cardiovascular support, nutritional support and infection prevention were applied among the golden hour practices. Delayed cord clamping could not be applied. Necrotizing enterocolitis incidence is increased with red cell transfusion and no inotropic support initiation in the first 48 hours in multivariet logistic regression analysis while intraventricular hemorrhage is increased with red cell transfusion, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and patent ductus arteriorus with low birth week and lastly mortality rate with intubation in delivery room, administration of an inotropic agent within the first 48 hours and slow infusion rate. Conclusion: As a result of this study, we need to improve the delayed cord clamping or milking protocol, we should choose noninvasive ventilation methods instead of empirical intubation and invasive ventilation, and if delayed cord clamping or milking is not performed, the initial fluid amount should be started over 3.3 cc/kg/hour, taking into account the hypovolemia and hypotension possibilities of the patient and we concluded that we should plan the treatment of hemodynamic insufficiency by evaluating the mean arterial pressure in the first hour.
The Residency Certification Exams - The Department Effect on the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Theoretical and Clinical Exams: A National Survey and Policy Implications
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Porat Hila , Zemer Tali , Aharonov Michal , Eliashar Ron
Published: November 2024

Background: Otorhinolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery residents in Israel face two certification exams during residency, the first (Step A), a theoretical exam, and the second (Step B), a clinical exam. The exams require different qualifications in order to succeed in each. Herein, we investigate the institutional “effect” on the theoretical and clinical certification exams. Aims: The study Objectives are: To investigate the correlation between institutional workload and surgical training ("effect") and the perception of being prepared to the theoretical and clinical certification exams. To analyze residents’ comprehensive perception of competence according to their certification exams status. Methods: An anonymous electronic questionnaire was emailed to all registered Israeli Otorhinolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery residents. The questionnaire investigated the residents’ perception of their preparation for the certification exams with regard to their department’s workload, training, and competence in the five main sub-specialties: Otology, Head and Neck Surgery, Pediatric Ear-Nose and Throat, Rhinology and Laryngology. Results: Overall, 92 (63.5%) residents responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 17 residents had successfully passed the theoretical, Step A, certification exam, and 14 passed the clinical, Step B, certification exam. We have demonstrated an institutional “effect” (workload and surgical training) in most sub-specialties in clinical Step B, which was less observed in theoretical Step A. In addition, Otorhinolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery residents' comprehensive perception (mainly clinical and surgical competence) was significantly higher following clinical Step B compared to their perception after theoretical Step A. These significant differences were found in all sub-specialties except Rhinology. Conclusions: The clinical, Step B exam, is a highly important milestone in the residency program. The perception of being well prepared to clinical Step B is more affected by the workload and surgical training, varying between different institutions. We recommend having the clinical, Step B exam, earlier in the course of the residency program and suggesting the need for central training system and supervision (e.g. regional curriculum collaboration) for a better medical training
The “I” in DEI: A focus on inclusivity in the clinical learning environment
Authors: Smith Teresa
Published: November 2024

The focus of diversity, equity, and inclusion is often weighted towards recruitment of a diverse workforce within undergraduate and graduate medical education, which reflects the diversity of the communities served. 1 Many institutions, medical schools, and graduate medical education programs created initiatives to expand their census of underrepresented in medicine (UIM) as the key driver in addressing health care disparities. 2 The effect of these initiatives was an influx of a UIM physician workforce into unprepared clinical learning environments and a lack of consideration of the inclusivity of these settings. 3 Often it is the “I” in diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is underdeveloped.
SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG in Human Milk of Women Infected During Pregnancy
Authors: Narasimhan Sudha , Jegatheesan Priya , Lueangsakulthai Jiraporn , Flores Claudia , Huang Angela , Anderson Christina , Misra Sonya , Patel Rupalee , Dallas David , Song Dongli
Published: November 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is still ongoing worldwide. The passage of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through human milk provides essential protection to infants. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of immunoglobulins in the human milk at 2 and 6 weeks post-delivery of women who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted between April 2020 and January 2021. We collected human milk from mothers who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy. Human milk IgG and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD protein were measured. Results: Eighty-one human milk samples were collected from 57 mothers infected during pregnancy. Human milk collected at 2 weeks post-delivery was positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG in 82% and IgA in 49% of samples. At 6 weeks, human milk was positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG in 67% and for IgA in 37% of samples. There was no correlation between the IgG or IgA levels at 2 weeks post-delivery and days from the first positive PCR test to delivery or gestational age at the first positive PCR test. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detectable in human milk of mothers who were PCR positive early in gestation. There was no significant difference in human milk IgG or IgA levels when comparing maternal symptom severity. The IgA and IgG levels were lower at 6 weeks compared to 2 weeks in 79% of the paired samples. Conclusions: Human milk of mothers infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy showed the presence of both IgG and IgA against the virus protein. Continued human milk feeding of infants born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be encouraged to optimize protective antibodies transferred to the infant.
Selection of Breast Cancer Patients for Omission of Axillary Lymph Node Surgery
Authors: Bui Jenny , Nathanson S. David , Joliat Christine , Bensenhaver Jessica , Schwartz Theresa , Petersen Lindsay , Lehrberg Anna , Vecchia Laura
Published: November 2024

The surgical procedure of complete axillary lymph node dissection, which initially included all the level I, II, and III nodes combined with a radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients, de-escalated to include only level I and II nodes with a modified radical mastectomy, leaving intact level III nodes. The sentinel node era, which began thirty years ago, allowed for removal of a small number of only level I nodes. The further decrease in the extent of node removal did not decrease the likelihood of curing patients with breast cancer. In addition, diminished axillary nodal surgery resulted in less complications, including less arm lymphedema. The latest advance is to use clinical, radiological, pathological, molecular, genetic, and other criteria to select breast cancer patients in whom all axillary nodal surgery can be avoided. In this review we summarize the current recommendations for axillary lymph node surgery, highlight and discuss the concomitant development of lymph node imaging, molecular genetic technologies, improved systemic and locoregional therapies, and more clearly elucidate the potential indications for omission of axillary nodal surgery.
A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY ON TEACHER MOTIVATIONIN EDUCATION (2010-2024)
Authors: Thi My Hong Tieu , Thi Thinh Hoang , Thi Ha Dao , Thi Thuan Hoang , Thi Thanh Tung Nguyen
Published: November 2024

Research on teacher motivation has attracted the attention of researchers from many countries, in many different fields, including education. Teacher motivation has a strong influence on the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process and educational innovation. The study aims to provide an overview of academic research on teacher motivation. The research, conducted using the bibliometric methods on data sourced from the core literature available on the Scopus website, focuses on the keywords “teacher motivation”, “education”, and “2010-2024”. The search field was restricted to literature within the “Social sciences” and “Arts and Humanities”. Data were analyzed using the Vos Viewer software to develop a system of figures and tables as a basis for analysis. Based on an analysis of 183 sources, the finding clarifies the growth, geographical distribution, prominent journals, notable works, research topics, and highly cited articles related to the topic. The research results serve as a basis for improving policies to motivate teachers and for further research on teacher motivation using reputable data sources in the next period.
A CIRCULAÇÃO DE PLANTAS NAS REDES SOCIOAMBIENTAIS DO ALTO RIO NEGRO
Authors: Dos Santos Lisboa Matheus , Travassos Alves Daiana
Published: November 2024

Na Amazônia, a relação entre pessoas e plantas faz parte do cotidiano, sendo
parte importante da construção das identidades regionais. O presente artigo aborda a circulação de plantas no Alto Rio Negro, no Amazonas, a partir de um levantamento de pesquisas etnobotânicas e arqueobotânicas no noroeste amazônico. Esses dados são fundamentais para a compreensão dos modos de vida e do entendimento das identidades regionais. Sabe-se que ao longo do processo de dominação portuguesa, os povos indígenas desenvolveram uma série de estratégias de resistência com o intuito de manter viva sua cultura e seus costumes. As comunidades consomem essas plantas desde os tempos pré-coloniais, tornando-as um legado dos ancestrais. Assim, pretende-se aqui compreender o papel das plantas no cotidiano das pessoas, indo do manejo a plantação, passando pela comercialização e trocas, até o consumo, identificando os processos de continuidade e descontinuidades nas práticas alimentares na região do Alto Rio Negro.
UM GOIANO NASCIDO EM COPACABANA
Authors: Pessoa Jadir de Morais Pessoa
Published: November 2024

Notas obituárias de Carlos Rodrigues Brandão.
POVOS E COMUNIDADES TRADICIONAIS: MODALIDADES E DIVERSIDADE NA GESTÃO SOCIAL, AMBIENTAL E TERRITORIAL
Authors: Gollo Alexandre Magno Lopes , Amanajás Edmir , Vilela Lamounier
Published: November 2024

Apresentação dos artigos e da entrevista.
Transverse-layer partitioning of artificial neural networks for image classification
Authors:   North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, North Caucasus Federal University, Vershkov N.A. , Babenko M.G. ,   North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, North Caucasus Federal University, Kuchukova N.N. ,   North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, North Caucasus Federal University, Kuchukov V.A. ,   North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, North Caucasus Federal University, Kucherov N.N. ,   North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, North Caucasus Federal University
Published: November 2024

We discuss issues of modular learning in artificial neural networks and explore possibilities of the partial use of modules when the computational resources are limited. The proposed method is based on the ability of a wavelet transform to separate information into high- and low-frequency parts. Using the expertise gained in developing convolutional wavelet neural networks, the authors perform a transverse-layer partitioning of the network into modules for the further partial use on devices with low computational capability. The theoretical justification of this approach in the paper is supported by experimentally dividing the MNIST database into 2 and 4 modules before using them sequentially and measuring the respective accuracy and performance. When using the individual modules, a two-fold (or higher) performance gain is achieved. The theoretical statements are verified using an AlexNet-like network on the GTSRB dataset, with a performance gain of 33% per module with no loss of accuracy.
Integrating landscape ecological risk with ecosystem services in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
Authors:   Department of Earth and Environmental Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Central Asi, Boori M.S. ,   Scientific Research Laboratory of Automated Systems of Scientific Research (SRL-35), Samara National Research University,   LNU-MSU College of International Business, Liaoning Normal University, Choudhary K. ,   Scientific Research Laboratory of Automated Systems of Scientific Research (SRL-35), Samara National Research University,   Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Smart Cities Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,   Department of Agroecology, Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures – Land-CRAFT, Kupriyanov A. ,   Scientific Research Laboratory of Automated Systems of Scientific Research (SRL-35), Samara National Research University,   Image Processing Systems Institute, NRC "Kurchatov Institute"
Published: November 2024

It is a novel approach to linking landscape ecological risk (LER) and ecosystem services (ESs) for environmental management and sustainable development, since it enables real-time decision-making. This study used 12 natural factors relevant to LER and 11 ESs factors to analyze spatiotemporal changes and establish a relationship between them in Tatarstan, Russia, for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020. The statistical tests (Global Moran's I, Getis-Ord Gi*), analysis of habitat vulnerability, and ecological loss in the ArcGIS platform reveal a consistent variance in factor clustering and pattern as well as the impact of governmental policies in the studied area. According to analysis findings, 2015 had the best ecological conditions of the three years because 44.79 % of the research area had decreased landscape ecological risk, which increased ecosystem services. Additionally, the results show that both maps have significant spatial disparities and that LER and ESs are negatively impacted by high human-socioeconomic activity. The integration of LER and ESs through the overlap of both maps provides a significant amount of spatial information for mapping, monitoring, management, and the protection of the fragile environment for sustainable landscape development and management.
Subpixel stacking and detection of blurred star images observed by an astroinertial attitude sensor against the background of the daytime sky
Authors:   Electrooptika, LLC, Vasilyuk N.N.
Published: November 2024

To determine the attitude from the image of a star field obtained by a digital camera, it is necessary to detect images of individual stars and determine their coordinates with subpixel resolution. This problem is relatively easy to solve if the image of the star field is obtained by a stationary camera observing a clear night sky. The difficulty arises when the stars are observed by the rotating camera against the background of the daytime sky. The blurred images of stars are almost impossible to detect in the background noise in one frame. This difficulty can be overcome by accumulating a certain number of consecutive frames after the matched blur filtering has been performed. This paper considers an algorithm for accumulating the sequence of frames, implemented as a multichannel accumulator, consisting of several accumulative channels of the same type, and operating in parallel. The plane of the accumulated image in each channel coincides with the plane of the first frame of the accumulated sequence. Subpixel resolution in determining the coordinates of detected star images is achieved by introducing intrapixel discretization in the first frame. The orientation of the current frame relative to the first one is calculated from the measurements of the gyroscopes of the astroinertial sensor. When synthesizing the impulse responses of the blur-matched filters for the current frame, the attitude of this frame and the location of the intrapixel discretization nodes of the first frame are taken into account. Calculation formulas are given for determining the number of accumulated frames depending on the angular velocity of the camera rotation, the background intensity and the brightness of the observed stars. The simulation results show the possibility of detecting blurred images of fairly dim stars against the background of the daytime sky and determining their coordinates with subpixel resolution.
Comparative analysis of neural network models performance on low-power devices for a real-time object detection task
Authors:   Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, Kazan Federal Universit, Zagitov A. , Chebotareva E. ,   Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, Kazan Federal Universit, Toschev A. ,   Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, Kazan Federal Universit, Magid E. ,   Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, Kazan Federal Universit,   School of Electronic Engineering, Tikhonov Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics, HSE University
Published: November 2024

A computer vision based real-time object detection on low-power devices is economically attractive, yet a technically challenging task. The paper presents results of benchmarks on popular deep neural network models, which are often used for this task. The results of experiments provide insights into trade-offs between accuracy, speed, and computational efficiency of MobileNetV2 SSD, CenterNet MobileNetV2 FPN, EfficientDet, YoloV5, YoloV7, YoloV7 Tiny and YoloV8 neural network models on Raspberry Pi 4B, Raspberry Pi 3B and NVIDIA Jetson Nano with TensorFlow Lite. We fine-tuned the models on our custom dataset prior to benchmarking and used post-training quantization (PTQ) and quantization-aware training (QAT) to optimize the models’ size and speed. The experiments demonstrated that an appropriate algorithm selection depends on task requirements. We recommend EfficientDet Lite 512×512 quantized or YoloV7 Tiny for tasks that require around 2 FPS, EfficientDet Lite 320×320 quantized or SSD Mobilenet V2 320×320 for tasks with over 10 FPS, and EfficientDet Lite 320×320 or YoloV5 320×320 with QAT for tasks with intermediate FPS requirements.
Losses and orbital part of the Poynting vector of air-core modes in hollow-core fibers
Authors:   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of RAS, Alagashev G.K. , Stafeev S.S. , Pryamikov A.D. ,   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of RAS
Published: November 2024

In our earlier works, we investigated a relationship between the formation of vortices in the transverse component of the Poynting vector of core modes and the regimes of strong localization of these modes in solid core micro-structured optical fibers. In this paper, we consider the behavior of the orbital part of the Poynting vector of fundamental and high-order modes in hollow-core fibers, and make comparisons with similar fundamental core mode behavior in solid core micro-structured optical fibers. We then demonstrated the impact of the “negative” curvature of the core-cladding boundary of a hollow-core fiber on the behavior of the orbital part of the Poynting vector of the air-core modes.
Investigation of an object-detection approach for estimating the rock fragmentation in the open-pit conditions
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N.Yeltsin», Reshetnikov K. , Ronkin M. ,   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N.Yeltsin», Porshnev S. ,   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N.Yeltsin»
Published: November 2024

Optimization of open-pit mining is one of significant tasks to date, with the blasting quality estimation being a key factor. The blasting quality is determined through evaluating the number of fragments and block size distribution, the so-called fragmentation task. Currently, computer vision-based methods using instance or semantic segmentation approaches are most widely applied in the task. However, in practice, such approaches require a lot of computational resources. Because of this, the use of alternative techniques based on algorithms for the real-time object detection is highly relevant. The paper studies the use of YOLO family architectures for solving the task of the blasting quality assessment. Based on the research results, YOLOv7x architecture is proposed as a baseline model. The proposed neural network architecture was trained on a dataset selected by the present authors from digital images of blasted open-pit block fragments, which consisted of 220 images. The obtained results also allow one to suggest the geometrical size of rock chunks as a measure of blasting quality.