bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace discrimination and healthcare: The national EEOC ADA	research project
Authors: Tartaglia Alexander , McMahon Brian T. , West Steven L. , Belongia Lisa , Beach Lorena Shier
Published: November 2024

Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans with disabilities within the Healthcare industry is explored. Specifically, the researchers examined discrimination allegations closed with and without merit associated with each of the nine Standard Identification Classification code healthcare service groups. Allegations made against skilled nursing, intermediate care, and personal care facilities, particularly those in the Southern region of the United States, were more likely to close with merit than those made against both hospitals and home health providers. Race predicted closure status with persons of mixed ethnic heritage, Asian Americans, and Native Americans most likely to have merit closures. The authors offer strategies for addressing discriminatory practices while providing opportunities for accommodations in an industry stressed by high turnover rates.
Entrepreneurship and community support organizations
Authors: Baker Daniel J. , Blumberg Richard , Lee Heather , Stanton Roger , Odell Krystal
Published: November 2024

Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly important to community provider organizations who support persons with disabilities. Human service organizations typically have not needed to consider entrepreneurship, relying on stable and fairly static funding models. However, an entrepreneurial perspective can energize organizations and provide impetus for both growth and opportunity. Additionally, current trends in funding may force organizations to become entrepreneurial and consider repositioning themselves. This article will present recommendations for human service organizations wanting to become more entrepreneurial and includes examples of practices from a number of current providers.
Enhancing supported employment services for individuals with a	serious mental illness: A review of the literature
Authors: Loveland David , Driscoll Hilary , Boyle Michael
Published: November 2024

Supported Employment (SE) has consistently shown to be more effective at helping individuals with a serious mental illness acquire a competitive job compared to other models of vocational rehabilitation. Nonetheless, approximately 50% of individuals who receive SE services fail to acquire even one competitive job and another 25% are unable to sustain a job. Barriers to work that limit the impact of SE are reviewed. Three levels of barriers are examined: (1) sociological barriers, (2) agency and programmatic barriers, and (3) disease-based impairments. Numerous interventions have been developed that could enhance the impact of SE and help individuals overcome these three barriers to work. These interventions are reviewed and classified under the three levels of barriers. Recommendations to enhance SE are provided based on the literature review.
Perspectives of people with disabilities on employment, vocational	rehabilitation, and the Ticket to Work program
Authors: Hernandez Brigida , Cometa Mary Joyce , Velcoff Jessica , Rosen Jay , Schober Daniel , Luna Rene David
Published: November 2024

This qualitative study explored the employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and Ticket to Work (TTW) experiences of people with disabilities. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 74 working-age adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds and with various disabilities. Major barriers to employment were negative employer attitudes toward hiring workers with disabilities, lack of or unreliable transportation to and from job sites, and insufficient levels of formal education to compete successfully within the labor market. Regarding VR, participants expressed concerns with counselors, who they perceived as unresponsive and non-collaborative. Although there was general awareness of the TTW program, accurate knowledge and utilization of the program were quite limited. Of those reporting TTW awareness, over one-third feared that participating in the program would result in the loss of existing medical and cash benefits. Findings indicate that people with disabilities continue to experience significant barriers related to employment. As employment initiatives are developed and implemented, the voice of the disability community should be considered to help shape and improve these initiatives.
Utilization of the functional capacity evaluation in vocational	rehabilitation
Authors: Mitchell Ted
Published: November 2024

Identifying the functional capacities of the individual beset by a physical disability and the role physical limitations play in employment, are a primary concern of the rehabilitation counselor. Physicians and allied health professionals are qualified to identify current physical functional level and to clinically manage the injured worker. If a return of the individual to pre-injury employment is not possible, rehabilitation counselors provide vocational training to identify feasible occupational alternatives. Use of a functional capacity evaluation can aid the rehabilitation counselor in determining the physical capabilities of his/her client, and help identify potential barriers in the workplace. Defining the functional capacity evaluation with an examination of its strengths and weaknesses will help determine its use in the field of vocational rehabilitation. The specialized training of rehabilitation counselors that enables them to translate medical information into vocational information makes them the ideal professionals to define the worker's functional ability.
Person-related and service-related factors predicting employment	of individuals with disabilities
Authors: Martz Erin , Xu Yonghong Jade
Published: November 2024

This exploratory study investigated the best predictors of employment among 13,751 individuals with disabilities who have exited from a state-federal VR services program in a US state in the south. Logistic regression analyses, which were conducted separately for nine categories of disabilities, indicated that only models of three disability categories (visual, hearing, and "other" disabilities) were significantly different from the corresponding constant-only models and improved the prediction accuracy of employment outcome over the null model. The findings suggested that males were more likely to be employed than females among individuals with visual and "other" disabilities; and ethnic minorities were more likely to be employed than those who were part of the majority ethnicity (Caucasian) among individuals with hearing and "other" disability types. Further, services directly targeting employment-related variables (training for and obtaining a job) and having a positive, forward-oriented perspective during the vocational rehabilitation process were significantly more likely to increase the likelihood of employment after the rehabilitation process among individuals with certain types of disabilities.
What makes the difference? Practitioner views of success and	failure in two effective psychiatric rehabilitation approaches
Authors: Salyers Michelle P. , McGuire Alan B. , Bond Gary R. , Hardin Teresa , Rollins Angela , Harding Brian , Haines Michael
Published: November 2024

The current study examined success in two vocational programs by interviewing practitioners in two philosophically different employment programs at a psychosocial rehabilitation agency. Practitioners' views of what constitutes success and factors facilitating success were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative means. In general, practitioners viewed success as more than just obtaining a job, but maintaining employment over time and making life changes. Success was most often attributed to consumer motivation, and lack of success was attributed to mental health symptoms. Furthermore, practitioners from each program tended to view success in a manner consistent with their program's philosophy.
Successfully engaging the business community in the vocational	rehabilitation placement process
Authors: Fraser Robert T.
Published: November 2024

This article is an abstract of a best practices presentation made November 7, 2007 to national Veteran's Administrative personnel in Atlanta, Georgia. It initially reviews the relatively minimal research related to effective vocational rehabilitation placement strategies with the business community. The larger portion of this work deals with external and internal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program strategies for effectively engaging the business community adapted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Project with Industry (PWI) program. External strategies include securing the support of veteran's groups and service groups such as Rotary, and staff memberships in employment-related organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, Human Resource (HR) organizations, HR diversity subcommittees, etc. Internal strategies include include developing an employer board, using a business advisory committee composed of HR representatives, developing a job fair cycle at your site, and involving employer/business volunteers in roles critical to your vocational program's success. The approach basically involves such frequent and substantive interaction between business and one's VR program that vocational placement activity becomes an almost seamless transaction between the vocational rehabilitation unit and the business community.
Evaluation of customized employment in building the capacity of	the workforce development system
Authors: Elinson Lynn , Frey William D. , Li Tiandong , Palan Martha A. , Horne Richard L.
Published: November 2024

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 established a national system to meet the needs of businesses and job seekers through a one-stop system of employment services, job training, and education [16]. Although one of the principles of WIA is universal access, it is generally acknowledged that the workforce development system does not yet have the capacity to fully meet the complex needs of people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the United States Department of Labor is the federal agency assigned to address this issue. Consequently, ODEP initiated the ODEP Demonstration Program to improve the capacity of the One-Stop system to meet the needs of people with disabilities through a customized approach to employment in an adult targeted program. This paper describes the evaluation of the ODEP Demonstration Program.

Westat, a private research firm in Rockville, Maryland, conducted an independent evaluation of the program for ODEP. A one-group pretest-posttest study design was used to assess changes to the workforce development system, employment, and employment retention among program participants. Initial and followup site visits were conducted at 31 demonstration sites to examine program implementation and systems change outcomes over time. Quantitative data were also collected from study sites to examine competitive employment and retention rates, as well as demographic and work-related characteristics (e.g., employment history, need for supervision) and program services received by program participants.

This study shows that it is feasible to deliver a customized employment approach to people with disabilities as part of the WIA One-Stop system and to build and sustain the capacity of the workforce development system through training, physical and programmatic accessibility improvements, and improved coordination of services. Since some factors were strong predictors of whether or not individuals retain their jobs and earn a living wage (e.g., individualized services, type of disability, previous work experience, years of education), we conclude that continued policy and research efforts are necessary to customize supports and services so the One-Stop system will truly achieve universal accessibility.
A revolution in the employment process of individuals with	disabilities: Customized employment as the catalyst for system change
Authors: Citron Tod , Brooks-Lane Nancy , Crandell Doug , Brady Kate , Cooper Michael , Revell Grant
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze a seven-year systems change effort focused on developing customized employment opportunities through a community rehabilitation program (CRP) that provides supports to persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases in Georgia. By using case studies and qualitative data, the path to real and effective organizational improvement in the area of customized employment outcomes is explored. Seven points of analysis on systematic organizational development emerged from the data review: (1) staff development; (2) community partnerships and diversified funding; (3) sustainability; (4) shift in managerial approaches and supervision; (5) changes in human resource processes; and (6) expanding customized employment to diverse populations; i.e. offenders, youth, welfare to work. This examination illustrates the need for: best practice staff training, person-centered and community-based vocational assessments, customer-directed personal budgets, flexible funding, focus on evidence-based customized employment outcomes as performance indicators, values-based human resource processes, CRP executive leadership involvement with staff and customers to break down barriers and achieve organizational momentum for outcome-driven change. Case studies for individuals who achieved customized employment outcomes are provided.
Universal one-stop access: Pipedream or possibility?
Authors: Luecking Richard G. , Cuozzo Lisa , Leedy Margaret J. , Seleznow Eric
Published: November 2024

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) includes provisions for universal access by people with disabilities to employment and training programs offered to the general public by the nation's One-Stop Career Centers. In order to reinforce these provisions there have been several federal initiatives to promote such access, including the development of customized employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities using the resources of the One-Stop Career Center system. This article describes a partnership led by a local WIA provider in Maryland, reports on how the WIA sponsored One-Stop services have been adapted to serve people with significant disabilities, reports on employment outcomes achieved through this partnership, and discusses the implications for future One-Stop access and employment service delivery for individuals with significant disabilities.
You're hired! The power of networking
Authors: Owens Laura A. , Young Patrick
Published: November 2024

Networking is considered one of the most effective ways to find employment, yet many in the field of supported employment do not use networking effectively. Many job developers continue to work with job seekers in applying for advertised positions. This manuscript describes ways that job developers and job seekers must work together to use their networks in order to enhance employment opportunities.
The utilization of vocational rehabilitation services in substance	abuse treatment facilities in the U.S.
Authors: West Steven L.
Published: November 2024

Unemployment and underemployment are major issues for persons with substance abuse and addiction concerns. The failure to address these issues can have substantial negative effects on the ability of such individuals to attain and maintain sobriety. Preliminary research indicates that the provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services can aid substance abusers not only in attaining competitive employment, but also in maintaining a substance free lifestyle. Despite this fact, early indications suggest that few substance abuse treatment facilities provide VR to clients. The present study assessed the use of VR services and the training and VR related credentials of clinical staff members in a nationally representative sample of 159 substance abuse treatment facilities. Results indicate that few of these substance abuse treatment facilities provide VR to their clients, have staff members equipped to provide such services, or actively refer clients to outside VR agencies. Given the extreme need for VR by persons with substance abuse concerns, these are issues that must be addressed by both substance abuse treatment and VR service providers.
Cultural competence training with organizations serving people	with disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds
Authors: Taylor-Ritzler Tina , Balcazar Fabricio , Dimpfl Shawn , Suarez-Balcazar Yolanda , Willis Celestine , Schiff Rachel
Published: November 2024

This article describes the cultural competence training approach used by the Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research with agencies that serve people with disabilities from different cultural backgrounds. The outcomes of the training on participants' individual levels of cultural knowledge, physical environment, attitudes, values and communication styles are presented. Data on the agencies' ability to set, pursue and attain organizational goals related to cultural competence is also presented. A total of 287 staff members representing 84 organizations completed individual-level assessment instruments. In addition, 43 organizations elected to receive follow-along support related to organizational cultural competence goals. Results indicated that participants experienced significant post-training improvements in cultural knowledge, physical environments, and values, attitudes and communication styles. In addition, after 6 months of follow-along support, participants were actively pursuing with progress or had achieved the majority of the cultural competence goals they set during training. The potential benefits and challenges of providing cultural competence training to staff that serve ethnic minority individuals with disabilities are discussed.
Prescription drug abuse among persons with disabilities
Authors: Brucker Debra L.
Published: November 2024

Using 2006 adult substance abuse treatment admissions data (N = 12,639) from the State of Maine Treatment Data System (TDS), this analysis examines whether issues of prescription drug abuse are more common among persons with disabilities than among other persons participating in substance abuse treatment. Results suggest that persons with mental illness who are participating in treatment are significantly more likely to be abusing prescription drugs and opiates. Persons with developmental disabilities are significantly less likely to abuse prescription drugs and opiates than other persons in treatment. Persons with and without disabilities who had primary problems with alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana were found to be at significantly decreased risk of having a secondary problem of opiate abuse. Implications for vocational rehabilitation professionals are discussed.
Social capital and its relevance in brain injury rehabilitation	services
Authors: Flaherty Patti
Published: November 2024

There is tremendous value in building the principles of social capital into mainstream rehabilitation for people living with disabilities. CONNECT (formerly Classic Rehab Community or CRC) is an example of how a community based transitional rehab setting for people living with brain injury incorporates and integrates social capital into the support and services they provide.

Social capital's wealth lies in the strength of a community's networks and the inclinations that arise from these networks for people to do things for one another [8]. Through the identification of the individual groups and the relevant communities that are part of CONNECT, a clearer understanding of the networks within and between them will be recognized. This clarity allows for more thoughtful action with the intent to help strengthen networks and relationships. The anticipated return on this action is a stronger community and reciprocity amongst its membership which then leads to improved health and wellbeing for each of its members.

This article focuses on how and why social capital impacts the health of CONNECT and how it is moving from a broad conceptual understanding of social capital to implementing practical ways to foster individual and organizational social capital development for the people CONNECT serves and its employees.
Jobs change lives: Social capital and shared value exchange
Authors: Dyda David J.
Published: November 2024

Seventy-five percent of Americans with disabilities, which represents millions of people, are under- or unemployed. If businesses (and government) would recognize and analyze their prospects for social responsibility using the same frameworks that guide their corporate business choices, they would discover that corporate social responsibility can be much more than a cost, a constraint, or a charitable deed – it can be a source of opportunity, innovation, and competitive advantage. The proposed solution includes building local adoption through face-to-face relationships, coupled with the creation of a collaborative community that leverages the Internet.
The power and relativity of Social Capital
Authors: Parris Angela N. , Granger Tamara A.
Published: November 2024

The Arc of Monroe County recently developed two major initiatives designed to increase the social capital of individuals we serve, our staff and our organization. One Good Turn was established in 2004 to demonstrate our commitment to volunteerism. Only two years later our constituents had reported over 10,000 hours of community service in the Rochester area. Through this reporting, we witnessed new relationships, shared knowledge and expanded resources. Community neighbors and businesses understood more about people with disabilities and they began to see individuals we serve and our organization in a different light – a useful and functional light; and our community was strengthened because of it. Soon after, The Institute for Social Inclusion was established to begin driving the concepts of social capital throughout our community. This article shares what we have learned about the power and impact that social capital has for people with disabilities. Throughout, there are examples to document the critical relativity to vocation, school-to-work transition, and the role of service providers for individuals with disabilities. WHY … The Arc of Monroe County has dedicated so many resources to furthering our person-centered services through the cultivation of social capital.
Improving Instruction-Following in Language Models through Activation Steering
Authors: Stolfo Alessandro , Balachandran Vidhisha , Yousefi Safoora , Horvitz Eric , Nushi Besmira
Published: November 2024

The ability to follow instructions is crucial for numerous real-world applications of language models. In pursuit of deeper insights and more powerful capabilities, we derive instruction-specific vector representations from language models and use them to steer models accordingly. These vectors are computed as the difference in activations between inputs with and without instructions, enabling a modular approach to activation steering. We demonstrate how this method can enhance model adherence to constraints such as output format, length, and word inclusion, providing inference-time control over instruction following. Our experiments across four models demonstrate how we can use the activation vectors to guide models to follow constraints even without explicit instructions and to enhance performance when instructions are present. Additionally, we explore the compositionality of activation steering, successfully applying multiple instructions simultaneously. Finally, we demonstrate that steering vectors computed on instruction-tuned models can transfer to improve base models. Our findings demonstrate that activation steering offers a practical and scalable approach for fine-grained control in language generation.
The Furin Cleavage Site of Feline Coronavirus Type 1 (FCoV-1) and Its Structural Localization Within the S1 Domain D
Authors: Choi Annette , Frazier Laura E. , Olarte-Castillo Ximena A. , Whittaker Gary
Published: November 2024

Feline coronavirus type 1 (FCoV-1 is an alphacoronavirus (species _alphacoronavirus-1_) present in a distinct genetic clade. The FCoV-1 spike protein contains an identifiable furin cleavage site (FCS), which is highly unusual for an alphacoronavirus. FCoV-1 is a widespread and highly transmissible virus of both domestic and non-domestic felids. Notably, following infection with a low-pathogenicity virus, highly pathogenic variants of FCoV-1 are selected in individual cats by a process of ‘internal mutation’; these variants appear to have robust tropism for macrophages and are strongly linked to the disease outcome known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Also strongly linked to FIP disease outcome are a range of point mutations that are proposed to modify and disrupt the furin cleavage site. There is only a single structure of an FCoV-1 spike protein—for the UU4 variant sequenced from an FIP cat. Here, we structurally localized the FCS of FCoV-1 UU4 in comparison with that of a reference non-pathogenic variant (UU2). We show that the FCS is located within S1 domain D. Topology domain mapping revealed the FCoV-1 FCS to be within a solvent-exposed structural loop (“loop 2”) located between two of the beta strands that comprise domain D of the spike protein—upstream of the interface of the S1 and S2 sub-domains. An equivalent “loop 2” of SARS-CoV-2 has also been identified as a proteolytic cleavage site for cathepsin L, suggesting conserved fusion-activation regulation of the coronavirus spike protein embedded within domain D.
LLM Confidence Evaluation Measures in Zero-Shot CSS Classification
Authors: Farr David , Cruickshank Iain , Manzonelli Nico , Clark Nicholas , Starbird Kate , West Jevin
Published: November 2024

Assessing classification confidence is critical for leveraging large language models (LLMs) in automated labeling tasks, especially in the sensitive domains presented by Computational Social Science (CSS) tasks. In this paper, we make three key contributions: (1) we propose an uncertainty quantification (UQ) performance measure tailored for data annotation tasks, (2) we compare, for the first time, five different UQ strategies across three distinct LLMs and CSS data annotation tasks, (3) we introduce a novel UQ aggregation strategy that effectively identifies low-confidence LLM annotations and disproportionately uncovers data incorrectly labeled by the LLMs. Our results demonstrate that our proposed UQ aggregation strategy improves upon existing methods and can be used to significantly improve human-in-the-loop data annotation processes.
War in Ukraine: agricultural soil degradation and pollution and its consequences
Authors:   SI «O.M. Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the NAMS of Ukraine», Gulich M.P. , Kharchenko O.O. ,   SI «O.M. Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the NAMS of Ukraine», Yemchenko N.L. ,   SI «O.M. Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the NAMS of Ukraine», Olshevska O.D. ,   SI «O.M. Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the NAMS of Ukraine», Lyubarska L.S. ,   SI «O.M. Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the NAMS of Ukraine»
Published: November 2024

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is causing irreparable damage to its soil, irrigation system, and agricultural infrastructure and has rendered 5 million hectares of its agricultural land unusable. The work is devoted to the review and analysis of scientific literary sources and information bases of documents of the UN, FAO, WHO, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine and generalization of the impact of military actions on soil pollution and degradation of agricultural lands and subsequent contamination of food raw materials and food products. The purpose of the work. Conduct an analysis of scientific data on the condition of the soils of agricultural lands of Ukraine, in the conditions of hostilities of armed aggression of the Russian Federation, and the possibility of further influence of this condition on plant raw materials and food products. Materials and methods. Informative, bibliographic, normative and legal. The following methods were used: system-structural, formal-logical, bibliographic, and the method of informal (traditional) analysis. The main results. Scientific sources were analyzed that made it possible to find out the state of the soils of Ukraine in the conditions of hostilities. The main sources of their chemical pollution and degradation have been established. The impact of military actions on the condition of the soils of arable lands is summarized. It was found that heavy metals are one of the main factors of chemical soil pollution. It was determined that the result of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is the destruction of agricultural lands. It is outlined that the soil of agricultural lands contaminated by the war is a potential source of emission of harmful substances from the soil into food raw materials, which creates a significant threat of their contamination of food products. Keywords. Soils, agricultural lands, armed aggression, soil degradation, soil pollution, contamination of food raw materials and food products.
Features of the mental working capacity of students during the implementation of new state certification forms
Authors:   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Miziuk M.I. , Suslyk Z.B. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Danyliuk A.E. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Derpak V.V. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University
Published: November 2024

Objective. The purpose of this research is the study of mental features student’s ability to work during the introduction of new forms of state attestation (of the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and the objective structured clinical exam) during the period of emergency situations in the country. Materials and methods. We started a study of the impact of new forms of state certification on the body of graduates and, in particular, studied the peculiarities of the response of the central nervous system of students during the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and an objective structured clinical exam. In order to assess the state of the central nervous system, the study of mental performance according to Anfimov's tables, was conducted in students of the control (84 people) and the studied (133 people) groups. Results. During various forms of final control (integrated test "Krok 2" and an objective structured clinical exam) a significant decrease in the mental capacity of students was established: in the studied groups, compared to the control group, a decrease in the number of revised marks during the proofreading was observed samples, the indicators increased the number of missed characters, indicators of the efficiency coefficient, which characterizes the increase in fatigue, decreased. At the same time, the number of errors made by students of the studied groups significantly decreased, and the accuracy coefficient increased, which may indicate an increase in concentration during the test. Gender differences were revealed: the number of correct actions decreased only in men, and the accuracy coefficient increased only in women. Conclusions. Research results indicate that introduction into the educational process of new forms of state certification is ambiguous. In the course of research on the impact of new forms of state certification of medical university graduates, changes in the functional state of the central nervous system of the body were revealed in comparison with the control group of students. It is necessary to continue and deepen the study of the impact of innovative forms state certification of the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and objective structured clinical exam) as a new hygienic factor and take them into account during the next reforms of higher medical education. Keywords. Graduates, state certification, mental capacity.
Memoria de Iniciación Cientifica 2024
Authors:   Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Doctorados, Guitiérrez Moraga Ana , Medina Arévalo María Consuelo , Kinkead Boutin Ana Patricia , Saavedra Briones Pablo David
Published: November 2024

El compromiso con la investigación científica, ese ejercicio de indagación rigurosa y de diálogo crítico con el mundo, es uno de los rasgos que distingue a una universidad que asume, con pleno sentido, su papel en la formación de sus estudiantes. En el décimo aniversario del Programa de Iniciación Científica, es preciso reconocer cómo este ha contribuido a transformar el entorno universitario, dotando a los estudiantes de una mirada reflexiva y una capacidad crítica indispensable para el tiempo que vivimos. Este programa no solo es una puerta hacia la ciencia, sino también hacia el mundo real, donde los conocimientos adquiridos en el aula encuentran el eco y la validación de los problemas contemporáneos. A lo largo de estos años, los estudiantes han desarrollado proyectos que abordan temas de la más variada índole: desde el desafío que plantea la transición hacia energías limpias hasta los dilemas éticos y prácticos que surgen en la inteligencia artificial o la salud pública. En cada uno de estos esfuerzos, se percibe el compromiso con su entorno y una clara conciencia de que la ciencia, en última instancia, debe estar al servicio de la sociedad. La valorización de la investigación universitaria representa, en este contexto, una verdadera expansión de los horizontes estudiantiles. Aquí, la investigación aplicada no es un mero ejercicio técnico, sino un acto de responsabilidad social que alienta a los estudiantes a ver la realidad con una perspectiva crítica, a cuestionar sus premisas y, cuando es necesario, a proponer soluciones innovadoras y factibles. En cada proyecto los estudiantes encuentran un desafío que va más allá de la teoría y se adentra en los complejos matices de lo concreto; y en cada uno, la universidad renueva su compromiso de ser un espacio en el que el saber no solo se construye, sino que también se transforma y se aplica. Desde la Vicerrectoría de Investigación reafirmamos nuestro propósito de cultivar este espacio en el que los estudiantes puedan, a través de la investigación, desarrollar una comprensión profunda de su entorno, un juicio crítico frente a los problemas de su tiempo y una capacidad creativa para enfrentarlos. Este Programa de Iniciación Científica es, en ese sentido, no solo un punto de partida, sino un pilar de la formación de profesionales comprometidos, críticos y responsables.
Tarihî Kaynaklar ile Mevcut Araştırmalara Göre Oğuz Adının Anlamı ve Kökenleri
Authors: Günler Mevlüt
Published: November 2024

Oğuz Türkleri, Türk-İslam ve dünya tarihinde yaklaşık on asır boyunca siyasal, sosyal ve kültürel faaliyetleriyle dikkatleri çekmişlerdir. Oğuzlar, kurdukları Selçuklu Devletleri, Anadolu Beylikleri ve Osmanlı Devleti vasıtasıyla başta Anadolu, Ortadoğu ve Avrupa olmak üzere dünya tarihinde kalıcı izler bırakmışlardır. Bunun bir yansıması olarak da yerli ve yabancı araştırmacılar tarafından farklı yönleriyle incelenmişlerdir. Bu bağlamda kurdukları devletler başta siyasi, askerî ve kültürel yönleri olmak üzere medeniyet mefhumu bağlamında da ele alınmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular ve uyandırdığı hayranlık kurucuları olan Oğuz Türklerinin kimliğinin tahlil ve tenkite tabi tutulmasına neden olmuştur. Araştırmalarda özellikle Oğuz toplumunun mahiyeti ile adının anlamı ve kökeni tartışılmıştır. Araştırmacıların ekseriyeti Oğuz adını dil açısından irdelerken bazıları da tarih bağlamında ele almış ve birbirinden farklı görüşler ileri sürmüşlerdir. İleri sürülen ve genel kabul gören görüşlerden “kabileler” anlamlandırması dikkatleri çekmekle birlikte “nehir”, “boğa”, “lider” gibi anlamlandırmalar da ilgi uyandırmaktadır. Fakat öne sürülen bu görüşler dar manada doğru olarak kabul edilmesine rağmen geniş manada dünya medeniyetine yön vermiş olan Oğuzları, anlam ve köken olarak tanımlamakta kifayetsiz kalmaktadır. Bu nedenle de Oğuz adının anlamı ve kökeni tam anlamıyla açıklığa kavuşturulamadığı gibi ortak bir kanaatte de hemfikir olunamamıştır. Çalışmada Oğuz adı, tarih metodolojisi bağlamında mevcut lengüistik araştırmalar ve tarihî süreç ile dönem kaynakları kapsamında incelenmiş, yeni bir bakış açısıyla onun Türk adıyla özdeşliği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Percepción de los periodistas sobre sus públicos. Estudio de caso sobre periodismo local en tres ciudades de la provincia de Buenos Aires
Authors: Alonso Exequiel , Diaz Eliseo
Published: November 2024

El artículo analiza la percepción de periodistas de medios locales de Argentina sobre sus audiencias, desde los aportes teóricos de la sociología de las redacciones. Se indaga el vínculo de proximidad y los significados construidos sobre la participación de las mismas en la producción de las noticias. Se concluye que los periodistas tienen dificultades para identificar a los públicos a los cuales se dirigen. Se busca contribuir al debate sobre el fortalecimiento de los medios locales a partir de identificar cuánto conocen a las audiencias que podrían financiarlos.
Studierendenbericht Seepraktikum 2024 (UHH), Cruise No. AL621, 30.09.2024 – 11.10.2024, Kiel (Germany) – Kiel (Germany)
Authors: Preine Jonas
Published: November 2024

The internship cruise AL621 commenced with the loading of the ship on September 30, 2024, at the GEOMAR pier in Kiel. During the rigging of the working deck and laboratories, students received instruction on various measurement instruments, a process that continued to deepen over the following days at sea. The scientific work was initially impacted by stormy weather, particularly during the first and last days at sea. The program began with hydroacoustic measurements in the Flensburger Förde to map the shallow termination of previously identified fault structures. Afterwards, the expedition transitioned to the Bay of Mecklenburg. The primary objective of the seismic measurements in this area was to map faults and potential fluid escape above a salt pillow. In the expedition's second half, the focus shifted to mapping the glacial erosional unconformity and Holocene deposits around Rügen. This erosional base was formed when ice glaciers scraped Cretaceous deposits during the last glacial period, compacting them into glaciotectonic complexes, commonly referred to as the "chalk cliffs of Rügen." By the end of the cruise, the students had gained extensive knowledge in data acquisition, processing, and interpretation, while also gaining firsthand experience of life on a research vessel. The cruise concluded in Kiel on October 11, 2024. (Alkor-Berichte AL621)
Analyzing Some Aspects of Robot-oriented Design Approach at Material Handling and Manipulation Systems of On-site Automated Construction Technologies
Authors: Vidovszky István
Published: November 2024

The construction sector is one of the fields of industries where automation and robotics are the least widely applied in our present day. This is in consequence of some characteristics of the construction industry, like the unique nature of the establishments, and the uncontrolled environmental circumstances on-site. However, with the present development level of robotics and with the spread of applications of AI-based technologies there is considerable chance for acceleration of development in this sector too. For the development of automated construction operations, it is essential to understand the most important principles in this regard, like robot-oriented design (ROD). In the present paper analysis of on-site automated construction technologies, which are already in use in the construction industry, is conducted, considering how the ROD approach prevails over the material handling and the applied manipulation types. In the case of material feed, there are still many technologies, where manual material handling is performed even if the technologies are applied on a relatively high level of autonomy. Regarding the automated construction processes the applied types of manipulations and the types of joints are analyzed. Robotic arms with various joint types are widely used in many industries. In the case of automated construction technologies, however, some joint types are more frequently applied than others. In the present paper, statistics are given about the occurrence of the various types, and an attempt is made to reveal the background of the observations.
Essential Features for Empowering NORCs in Your Community: Rapid Review
Authors: Philip Serrina , Hatzifilalithis Stephanie , Bruner Kerry , Li Joyce , Savage Rachel , Rochon Paula , NORC Innovation Centre
Published: November 2024

Background: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) have the potential to promote aging in place and establish age-friendly environments. NORCs are geographical areas that have naturally become home to a large concentration of older adults (>30%) but are not purpose-built for older people. NORCs can be enhanced through onsite supports and services, driven by the needs of older residents, but to spread enhanced NORC models, information is needed on how to effectively implement these models across a range of contexts and settings. 
Current Study and Methods: To further spread and scale enhanced NORC models, we are studying their implementation in 10 sites across Toronto and Barrie. Learnings will be used to create a NORC Implementation Toolkit. In this poster, we outline foundational work to rapidly review and synthesize key features of implementation toolkits. 
Results: The rapid review illuminated six key elements to be helpful in establishing an enhanced NORC model, 1) Establishing roles and responsibilities of key knowledge users, 2) Conducting a community needs assessment 3) Resident engagement, 4) Optimizing communication strategies, 5) Sound evaluation procedures, and 6) Identifying and minimizing potential barriers.
Conclusion: We showcase key features of a NORC implementation toolkit that positions residents as vital stakeholders and active participants in decision-making processes to shape their NORC community. The broader project will help identify how to successfully implement NORC-based interventions in local communities.
Improving Access to HIV Care for Young Mothers Living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tailor Lauren , Angell Jonathan , Hasan Syeda , Low Sharon , Willis Nicola , Mutsinze Abigail , Chitiyo Vivian , Kuchocha Peggy , Logie Carmen H
Published: November 2024

Background: HIV disproportionately impacts adolescent girls and young women living in Southern Africa. Rates of mother-to-child HIV transmission are also elevated in this group, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve the health of young mothers living with HIV. A non-profit organization in Zimbabwe, Zvandiri, founded a peer-led care model, the Young Mentor Mother (YMM) program, in response to this issue.
Methods: Four University of Toronto students conducted semi-structured virtual interviews (N=29) among Zvandiri staff and YMMs to identify the benefits and challenges of the YMM program. We applied deductive and inductive thematic analyses to transcriptions and performed a qualitative analysis using Dedoose software. 
Results: Participant [AT1] narratives revealed several themes, including three vital benefits from the YMM program: 1) peer- support, 2) holistic care, and 3) women’s empowerment. Barriers to the success of the program identified from interviews mapped onto the social-ecological model, whereby structural factors (lack of funding, food insecurity), community-level factors (HIV-related stigma, socio-cultural differences in accepting HIV care), and interpersonal factors (intimate partner violence) were found to impact the implementation and scale-up of the program. Barriers to scaling-up the YMM program included limited funds, lack of resources, and cultural and geographic differences. We also identified socio-structural challenges to scale-up, such as intimate-partner violence, food insecurity, and HIV-related stigma.
Conclusion: Zvandiri’s YMM program fills an important gap in HIV care for young women and girls and has several benefits, such as peer-support, holistic care, and women’s empowerment. Future research focused on the perspectives of clients, stakeholders, and young fathers will further inform the scaling of the program to new countries and regions.
Prenatal Triptan Use for Migraine and Child Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Maggie , Albanese Melina
Published: November 2024

Objective: Triptans are a class of drugs commonly used as an abortive medication for migraine. They can cross the placental barrier in pregnancy and bind to 5-HT receptors in the fetal brain, possibly affecting brain development. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate published literature examining the association between prenatal triptan use for migraine and child neurodevelopment.
Methods: Search terms for “pregnancy” and “triptans” were used to search MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL for relevant studies published from database inception to August 2023. Original research studies published in English examining the relationship between triptan use for maternal migraine during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment were included. An adapted version of the Systematic Assessment of Quality in Observational Research (SAQOR) protocol was used for the quality assessment of included studies. We also performed a narrative synthesis of eligible studies by describing their methods and main findings.
Results: Our search strategy retrieved 1093 articles, of which 5 met the inclusion criteria. All 5 studies used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Studies selected for review all used parental self-report to measure triptan use and were all rated as moderate quality (n = 5, 100%). Outcome variables varied across studies and included externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems, communication, psychomotor function, temperament, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Two studies reported an association between prenatal triptan use and externalizing behaviours in children up to 3 years old, but no associations with other neurodevelopmental outcomes or in older children were reported in the literature. All studies accounted for confounding by indication for migraine, but residual confounding by migraine severity was possible.
Discussion: Prenatal triptan exposure may be associated with an increased risk of externalizing behaviours in children aged 1.5-3 years old. Future studies outside of the MoBa cohort are required to test the external validity of findings reported in the current literature. Additionally, future studies can expand the state of knowledge by considering different triptans as separate exposures and by utilizing more robust measures of triptan use in pregnancy that are less subject to recall bias than participant self-report.
Predator cues facilitate oyster biofiltration by suppressing the density-dependent impacts of ectoparasites
Authors: Rogers RC , Brenner CL , Morton JP
Published: November 2024

Predators commonly regulate the feeding behavior of consumers through non-consumptive effects (NCEs) generating cascading indirect effects. While parasites are ubiquitous consumers in ecosystems, it is not known whether predator NCEs can generate similar cascading impacts by regulating parasite feeding on their hosts. Ectoparasites may be particularly sensitive to predator NCEs, yet this interaction remains unexplored. We focused on a common ectoparasitic snail, Boonea impressa, and examined how predator-associated olfactory cues impact feeding on its host, the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Scent-exposure assays revealed that B. impressa reduced feeding on its host in the presence of predator (mud crab Panopeus herbstii) cues. A laboratory biofiltration experiment, in which we manipulated the density of ectoparasites and the presence of predatory crab olfactory cues, showed that ectoparasites reduced oyster biofiltration rates, and these effects are mediated by both parasite density and predator cues. Mud crab NCEs switched from having negative to positive effects on oyster biofiltration as ectoparasite densities increased. While this study presents the first evidence of a predator influencing ectoparasite feeding through NCEs, this phenomenon may be common in nature.