bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peter Huchel. Babel contra Pentecôte
Authors: Jacob Maryse
Published: February 2024

Babel als Mythos des dichterischen Schaffens und der Sinnsuche steht im Zentrum der Huchelschen Überlegungen, eine Sprache zu finden, die eine neue Verbindung zur Welt und zugleich ihre eigene Genese problematisieren kann. Dabei wird die Preisgabe der Bindung an die Transzendenz, die früher jede Dichtung legitimierte sowohl im Lichte der babelschen Zerstörungen wie in der Versöhnung-Allegorie Pfingsten aufgegriffen. Die Ruinen Babels wirken wie die notwendige Bedingung für den Entwurf von etwas Neuem – sie sind dessen Fundament. Obwohl Pfingsten als Allegorie zur Kontinuität der Geschichte von Babel gehört, indem die zerbrochenen Ziegelsteine als Reste einer glorreichen Vergangenheit gesammelt werden, erfüllt der poetische Text seine der Versöhnung dienende Funktion einzig in der Diskontinuität, denn wer von Bruch spricht, meint auch Polysemie und Ambiguität. Deshalb erscheint die Lyrik nur noch im irisierenden Licht des Oxymoron und im Wechsel der Gegensätze. Gewiss eine Konstruktion, jedoch äußerst prekär.
La discrète montée en puissance d’un champion mondial des énergies renouvelables
Authors: Pouget Julien
Published: February 2024

Née en 2017, TotalEnergies Renouvelables est passée de 25 à plus de 1 000 salariés. Pour se développer dans ce nouveau domaine, l’entreprise a dû trouver un modèle d’affaires adapté et se doter de compétences capables de développer un portefeuille de projets et de les exécuter à grande échelle.
Paresse et civilité chez Antoine de Courtin : rapports ambivalents des notions et complémentarité des traités
Authors: Bokobza Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Si la comparaison du Traité de la civilité à celui de La Paresse fait ressortir les rapports ambivalents de leurs objets respectifs, la complémentarité des œuvres renforce le sens chrétien que Courtin s’efforce d’insuffler à la civilité. S’illustrent ainsi la nécessité morale et la fécondité critique d’une lecture intégrale du « corps de morale » de l’auteur, dans laquelle chaque partie est contrepesée par les autres.
Crises et sensemaking dans un réseau territorialisé d’organisations : Le cas des tiers-lieux corses
Authors: Bourbousson Céline , Iglésias Anne , Lameta Nathalie , Luisi Graziella , Millet Morgane
Published: February 2024

Cet article interroge la création de sens au sein d’un réseau territorialisé d’organisations. Nous nous intéressons plus spécifiquement à ce phénomène en contexte de crise et proposons une étude de cas sur le réseau des tiers-lieux corses. À travers une méthodologie de cas enchâssés, nous montrons que l’acteur tiers joue un rôle déterminant dans le cas d’un choc de l’ignorance, tandis que le sensemaking se fait plus collectif dans une situation de choc de la confusion.
Exploring the Educational Value of an Immersive Virtual Reality Method Within a Continuing Education Module in Nursing: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Kerr Helen , Birch Matt , Donovan Monica , Best Paul
Published: February 2024

Background:

Few studies have explored the potential educational value of immersive 360° video in continuing education. This study explored the potential value of immersive 360° video as an acceptable educational method in a continuing education module in nursing.

Method:

A convergent parallel mixed methods design was adopted. The setting was a nursing and midwifery school at a university. The 11 participants were RNs. Data were collected at three time points with surveys and focus groups.

Results:

Participants found educational value in the triggering of a deep reflective process, supported by a subsequent classroom discussion. Further, there were nuances and complexities to be considered, with a need to tailor material toward high-acuity, low-frequency, or challenging clinical events when considering content.

Conclusion:

Immersive 360° videos are a potentially useful method for providing continuing education; however, the content must be tailored to students' learning needs. A reflective model may provide a valuable structure for discussions after the use of immersive 360° video.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2024;55(5):261–268.]
Paisaje en acción. Los estudios sobre espacio y ritual en los Andes
Authors: Muñoz-Henríquez Wilson , Piñones-Rivera Carlos , Rodríguez Valdivia Alan
Published: February 2024

Las sociedades andinas se han caracterizado particularmente por establecer intensas y diversas relaciones con elementos y entidades del espacio, utilizando a la actividad ritual como uno de los medios más recurrentes y eficaces para ello. Este artículo analiza las nociones de espacio, ritual y su vínculo en los principales estudios realizados en el área centro-sur andina. Primero abordamos las investigaciones donde predominó la figura de la verticalidad para comprender el espacio andino y, en menor medida, la actividad ritual. Luego analizamos los trabajos que incorporaron la dimensión y perspectiva simbólicas en su análisis, entendiendo al espacio como una proyección simbólica de la mentalidad andina y a la actividad ritual como una manifestación práctica del principio de la reciprocidad. En tercer lugar, nos aproximamos a los estudios que pertenecen al giro ontológico, los cuales han otorgado especial importancia al espacio andino como una entidad no humana con agencia y a la actividad ritual como una de las formas particulares que poseen los humanos para relacionarse con agentes de diverso tipo. Por último, realizamos algunas consideraciones generales mostrando que existe un mayor desarrollo conceptual de la noción de espacio y sus derivados, frente al tratamiento de la actividad ritual y las relaciones que se establecen entre ambos. Asimismo, identificamos un conflacionismo epistemológico a la hora de explicar el funcionamiento de ambas nociones.
Perfectos (des) conocidos: búsquedas y encuentros entre adultos adoptados y sus hermanos/as de origen en Chile, Argentina y España
Authors: Salvo Agoglia Irene , Gesteira Soledad , Clemente-Martínez Chandra Kala
Published: February 2024

La investigación social muestra que las relaciones de parentesco entre hermanos/as son primordiales en la vida de muchas personas. Sin embargo, en el campo de estudios interdisciplinarios sobre adopción, especialmente en el ámbito iberoamericano, se ha explorado escasamente estas relaciones. En el marco de un estudio multi-situado y comparativo, en este artículo examinamos las experiencias de un grupo de personas adultas adoptadas chilenas, argentinas y españolas que buscaron y encontraron a sus hermanos/as de origen. A la luz del material de campo realizado, analizamos la complejidad de las dinámicas y afectos involucrados en estos encuentros y su impacto en los procesos de construcción de identidad y de las relaciones de parentesco, teniendo como trasfondo profundas inequidades sociales, económicas y culturales de carácter estructural. Discutimos cómo nuestros hallazgos pueden aportar a la comprensión de los procesos de búsqueda de orígenes y proyectamos diversos desafíos en las políticas y prácticas adoptivas, así como también en los futuros estudios sobre el tema.
Harun Farocki : une hantologie du cinéma
Authors: Voltzenlogel Thomas
Published: February 2024

Harun Farocki (1944-2014) a été un cinéaste et un critique prolifique, réalisant près d’une centaine de films pour le cinéma, la télévision, ou présentés sous forme d’installations dans les espaces d’exposition et les musées. Résolument ancré dans le champ de la théorie et de la pratique marxistes des images, le cinéaste allemand a déployé dans ses travaux une pensée singulière du cinéma. Cette première monographie qui lui est consacrée parcourt un grand nombre de ses œuvres. Elle a pour objectif de mettre en lumière la spécificité de ses dispositifs cinématographiques et de sa critique des puissances supposées des images. Les analyses filmiques effectuées se proposent ainsi de faire advenir une pensée hantologique des images, en interrogeant – dans la continuité de la pensée de Karl Marx et de Jacques Derrida – les spectres qui les hantent, et nous hantent en tant que spectateurs. La question n’est plus de savoir comment « lire » les images, mais de savoir comment vivre avec elles.
Astheure, on parle - expérience d’un dispositif participatif en ligne au sein d’une communauté linguistique minoritaire. Le cas d’un webzine acadien
Authors: Arrighi Laurence
Published: February 2024

Les médias socionumériques ont permis l’émergence d’espaces au sein desquels des groupes minorisés peuvent partager leurs préoccupations. En Acadie s’est développé ces dix dernières années expérience originale : le webzine Astheure. Son approche collaborative permet à quiconque de proposer des textes sur des enjeux sociaux qui affectent la société acadienne, qu’ils soient politiques, économiques, culturels. Dans cette contribution, ce sont les articles qui traitent d’enjeux linguistiques qui m’intéressent. Par une analyse thématique et critique, je regarde quels enjeux sont mis de l’avant, par qui, comment ils sont traités et quelle réception ils reçoivent. Mes résultats montrent que les enjeux linguistiques sont majoritairement abordés par des spécialistes quand il s’agit de parler du statut de la langue. Plus rarement, lorsque la question de la forme de la langue est abordée, elle est alors traitée sous l’angle du vécu.
Le financement des initiatives féminines de transition agroécologique au Sénégal
Authors: Sene Marie Thérèse Daba , Gning Sadio Ba
Published: February 2024

En dépit d’un discours dominant qui tend à promouvoir les systèmes de production agricole durables, le financement de l’agroécologie est porté par les ONG. Cependant, celui-ci questionne la capacité des organisations féminines à rendre durables leurs initiatives de transition agroécologique et à y jouer un rôle clé. À partir d’une étude empirique basée sur une recherche qualitative auprès de cent femmes de groupements féminins au Sénégal, ce travail examine le rôle du financement dans la durabilité du maraîchage biologique et de la riziculture. Les résultats montrent que les dispositifs d’appui technique et financier des ONG entraînent des stratégies totalisantes de recherche additionnelle de financement qui n’ont pas d’incidence directe sur la durabilité de ces initiatives féminines.
Global Learning Beyond the Classroom
Authors: Landorf Hilary , Prado Ana
Published: February 2024

Global learning is the process of students working together to understand and make connections between local, regional, national, and global concerns; analyze these concerns from multiple perspectives; and begin to create solutions that take into account their own and other's well-being. Global learning is most effective when it is integrative, enabling every student to make connections between the issues that they study in the classroom and their own experiences in cocurricular activities and in their personal lives. In this increasingly interconnected, complex, and difficult world, it is essential that students engage in integrative global learning as soon as they enter college. This chapter provides a roadmap for global learning leaders looking to implement integrative global learning programming in a multiplicity of contexts.
Reframing Education Abroad for First-Year Students
Authors: Poole Leigh A.
Published: February 2024

While not new, the concept of cultural agility can be easily linked to global learning and education abroad experiences for first-year college and university students. This chapter presents several examples of study abroad programs designed specifically for first-year students. It also provides an in-depth exploration of elements from two successful study abroad courses. One course helps increase access to education abroad for underrepresented groups while the second course centers course learning and activities on globalization and developing equitable and ethical engagement along with cross-cultural skills. An environmental scan along with critical strategies and highlights from the two case studies are featured. A framework that notes challenges faced by first-generation students planning to study abroad is also included.
Promoting First-Year College Students' Civic Skills Through Community Participatory Learning Experiences
Authors: Sklarwitz Sherri , Crowe-Rothstein Jessye , Hyun Sunah , Lane-Toomey Cara , Sethi Poorvi
Published: February 2024

The Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, in collaboration with the organization Where There Be Dragons, created the Tufts Civic Semester program. This is a transformational, first-semester program that combines an academic and experiential learning experience away from the Tufts campus, and there are different themes and core elements depending on the site location, including environmental sustainability, indigenous sovereignty, and immigrant rights. Each year, cohorts of 8-12 students spend their first semester as a living learning community engaging with community organizations and building civic skills to promote equity and justice. The program has run in Urubamba, Peru and the Southwestern United States to date, with plans of expansion to additional global locations. This chapter will provide information on program themes, including global perspective taking and developing personal social responsibility, program logistics, and program evaluation.
Lehigh Launch Ecuador
Authors: Casagrande David , Matherly Cheryl
Published: February 2024

This chapter discusses Lehigh Launch Ecuador, an academic program launched in Fall 2022 in which newly admitted Lehigh University students spend their first (Fall) semester in Ecuador. The program, intended to be accessible to students in all majors, is focused on the theme of environmental sustainability to take advantage of the rich biological and cultural diversity of Ecuador and attract students with an interest in the Galápagos Islands and Amazon rainforest. Designed as an experiential, integrative living learning community for intellectually curious and independent students, Lehigh Launch Ecuador seeks to help students develop interpersonal skills (including teamwork and leadership), academic and disciplinary skills, intellectual curiosity, global citizenship, and personal well-being.
Can Fossil Fuels Be Replaced by Entirely Renewable Energy
Authors: Gorli Ravi
Published: February 2024

A renewable energy supply system must be established. This chapter outlines a complete decarbonization strategy. It explains how renewable energy is improving the long-term sustainability of energy sources. A new IEA analysis shows that progress has been made and that additional improvements in global energy efficiency are possible. By 2050, the estimated annual cost of energy shift will be $1.7 trillion. In terms of output, renewable energy sources have surpassed fossil fuels. Never before has cutting-edge tech been so accessible. In 2017, solar thermal electricity with thermal storage hit a record low price of under 10 cents per kWh. Renewable energy utilization is rising. Transportation, heating, and other energy needs account for 20% of overall consumption. Companies can benefit greatly from using green energies like solar thermal, geothermal, and biofuels.
Introduction to Nanotechnology
Authors: Anjum Ansar , Das Maumita , Garg Rishav
Published: February 2024

Observing the unique properties of matter at nanoscale, nanoscience provides innovative solutions for energy, environment, agriculture, and manufacturing, and addresses the critical challenges of sustainability. This chapter highlights nanotechnology's pivotal role in advancing sustainability across diverse domains including medicine, consumer products, and energy optimization. Ethical considerations, potential benefits, and future prospects are thoroughly examined, providing a comprehensive overview of nanotechnology's transformative capacity. The rational design of nanomaterials achieves exceptionally high surface areas, offering strategic enhancements. In the era of electronics, nanotechnology accelerates devices, enhances memory chip density, and reduces power consumption, shaping a more sustainable technological future. The chapter serves as a valuable reference for research community, offering insights into applications of nanotechnology in sustainable development circular economy, and aims to deepen understanding and exploration of nanotechnology's potential to drive positive change.
Nanocomposites for Advanced Biosensing Applications
Authors: Alghamdi Nawal
Published: February 2024

Nanocomposites have an essential role in a number of different applications these days. Therefore, they have been utilised in the biosensing field. The integration of nanocomposites in different types of biosensors for detection or mentoring of different analytes results in improved performance biosensors. In this chapter, the role of nanocomposites in biosensors will be studied, with a number of examples, of such improvements in these sensors' performance. An overview of the biosensors will be given first, along with key characteristics to quantity the enhancing in their performance. After that, a detailed discussion of nanocomposites as materials and their roles in biosensor development will be included.
Unmasking the Movements
Authors: Khan Sohrab Ahmad , Aziz Rabia , Chhabra Charu , Kaur Harsirjan
Published: February 2024

Wearable technology, especially for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, has been crucial in enabling remote monitoring and accurate, prompt disease management. Wearable sensors, such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and inertial sensors, provide accurate and continuous symptom monitoring, enabling customised treatment plans and interventions. Sensors such as these offer unbiased information on motor symptoms such tremors, bradykinesia, abnormal gait patterns, and balance problems. With the use of this information, medical professionals may adapt physical therapy, optimise medication regimes, and quickly manage fall risk. Wearable sensors also keep track of non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders and autonomic dysfunction, allowing for early intervention and all-encompassing treatment. The real-time information gathered by wearable sensors also improves patient, carer, and medical professional communication and collaboration.
Decoding Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Azhaguramyaa V. R. , Srinivasan K. , Oswalt Manoj S. , Rohini M. , Rama Abirami R.
Published: February 2024

The area of medical diagnostics has seen an evolution in recent years due to developments in deep learning techniques, specifically with regard to convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This chapter proposes to examine the use of deep learning, specifically CNNs, in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) through handwriting drawings. Parkinson's disease is a condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of the nervous system that affects movement control, and its diagnosis often relies on subjective evaluation by experienced neurologists. Utilizing CNNs to analyze handwriting drawings offers an objective and potentially more accurate method for early diagnosis.
Optimizing Predictive Models for Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Kapila Ramdas , Saleti Sumalatha
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores how using advanced optimization approaches might improve Parkinson's disease (PD) prediction models. The main goal is to improve the predicting abilities of these models to assist in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of PD diagnosis. This chapter explores the adjusting of predictive model elements through the use of optimization approaches, enabling a more efficient study of multi-modal patient data. In order to provide more reliable PD predictions, this optimization-centric strategy aims to improve feature selection, model parameterization, and validation techniques. Additionally, the chapter looks at the broader ramifications of incorporating optimization into predictive modelling for neurodegenerative diseases, offering insight into how it can alter the accuracy of diagnoses and patient treatment strategies.
Multisensory Dimensions as Interdisciplinary Study
Authors: Imamovic Irma , Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Azevedo António
Published: February 2024

The multisensory dimensions of a destination, which are important for establishing an emotional connection between a visitor and a place, can be used and managed to create a sensory destination brand. Considering the destination's multisensory dimensions, this chapter focuses on the conceptualization of sensescapes, starting from multidisciplinary perspectives to sensory experiences in a post-pandemic context. It provides theoretical support for the research of the sensory tourist experience and how internal marketing contributes to improving multisensory experiences. It explores how human senses affect individuals' perception of the external environment which further affects emotional and behavioral responses. Finally, it provides implications for the marketing and management of tourist destinations, planning and management of territorial spaces, and finally sensory destination branding in post-pandemic scenarios. In conclusion, the literature review is presented as a conceptual framework that highlights the multisensory stimuli in experiencing destinations.
Disruptive Business Models and the Shift Towards Decentralized Marketplaces
Authors: S. Vinoth , Srivastava Nidhi
Published: February 2024

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the emergence of disruptive technologies and innovative business models have revolutionized traditional market structures. One such transformation is the shift towards decentralized marketplaces, driven by blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. This chapter aims to explore the concept of disruptive business models and their profound impact on market dynamics, focusing on the rise of decentralized marketplace. This chapter addresses a pressing need for comprehensive, up-to-date, and insightful information on a topic that is rapidly changing the business landscape. It provides a valuable resource for a diverse audience, ranging from industry professionals to academics and policymakers. It can be highly beneficial for several reasons, given the ongoing evolution and significance of decentralized marketplaces.
DeFi's Transformative Influence on the Global Financial Landscape
Authors: Saravanakrishnan V. , Nandhini M. , Palanivelu P.
Published: February 2024

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) has fundamentally reshaped the financial industry, challenging traditional banking systems and opening up a world of possibilities in global finance. This chapter explores the multifaceted impact of DeFi on the global economic landscape, addressing critical themes through a series of subtitles. DeFi is disrupting traditional banking models by offering alternative financial services directly on blockchain networks, such as lending, borrowing, and trading. One of the remarkable achievements of DeFi is its ability to provide financial services to previously underserved and unbanked populations. Tokenization is a crucial aspect of DeFi, enabling the representation of real-world assets as digital tokens on the blockchain. DeFi offers numerous advantages but poses security challenges, including smart contract vulnerabilities and hacks. This chapter provides an overview of the major themes and implications of DeFi's influence on finance, highlighting its opportunities and challenges.
Multi-enzymatic complex on growth performance, blood parameters, and economic viability in piglets
Authors: Netrebka Lilian Kelly Pereira , Rossi Patricia , Cella Paulo Segatto , Oelke Carlos Alexandre , Lima Jackeline Dall Agnol de , Moraes Pedro Valério Dutra de , Souza Maria Antonia Michels da
Published: February 2024

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dietary effect of an enzymatic complex on the growth performance variables, blood parameters, and economic viability of piglets. To achieve this, we used 80 piglets (40 castrated males and 40 females) in a 2 × 2 factorial design following a randomized block experimental distribution, with two levels of metabolizable energy (adequate: 3206.09 and low: 3005.45 kcal kg-1) and two enzyme levels (0 and 50 g ton-1). The results showed no significant difference between treatments in the growth performance variables or blood parameters of piglets. The economic viability, economic efficiency index, and cost index were improved when we used a diet with a low energy supplemented with the enzyme complex as compared to other experimental diets. Thus, we concluded that enzyme complex supplementation can maintain growth performance and blood parameters in piglets even when they are fed low energy diets. Moreover, this could reduce production costs.
Blue-Emitting SrLaAlO4: Ce Phosphors Obtained by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Etafo Nelson Oshogwue , Garcia Carlos Eduardo Rodriguez , Torres Ramírez Roberto Constancio , Viesca-Villanueva Efraín , Fraga Almanza Jose Luis
Published: February 2024

In this study, a simple combustion synthesis was utilized to obtain the SrLaAlO4 (SLAO) host sample and SrLaAlO4: Ce (SLAO:Ce) phosphors with different Ce concentrations (1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 mol.%). Also, the as-synthesized samples were subjected to a post-annealing treatment at 1200 °C in air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for the SLAO and SLAO:Ce phosphors correspond to pure tetragonal phase (JCPDS No 24-1125). The photoluminescence spectra of the SLAO:Ce phosphors (under 254 nm excitation) showed a blue emission peak at 470 nm attributed to the 5d → 4f Ce3+ transition. The SLAO:Ce phosphors doped with 1 mol.% of Ce showed the highest emission and quenching of photoluminescence was produced when the Ce dopant concentration increases (3.0-7.0 mol.%). The CCT and color purity are in the range of 6456 -8276 K and 49.1 -55.9 % respectively. Due to its strong blue emission, the SLAO:Ce phosphor could be a good candidate for UV phosphor converted LED or for solid state lighting applications.
Numerical Analysis of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joint
Authors: Das Pallab , Singh Laiphrakpam Indrajit
Published: February 2024

Beam-column joint is the most vulnerable location of a moment-resisting reinforced concrete frame structure. The joint region experiences the maximum shear stress both in vertically and horizontally which is generated due to the shear transfer mechanism from the adjoining beams and columns. The shear capacity and bond stress capacity are the two major factors affecting the strength of a joint core in RC structure. An important discovery recently is the ductile behaviour of the whole structure under repeated loading. The behaviour of the concrete beyond elastic limit which is in the concrete hardening zone can drastically influence the ductility of the concrete. The non-linear stress-strain behaviour after the onset of the initial crack and up to ultimate compressive strength plays an important role in improving ductility. Beyond the ultimate compressive strength, concrete will undergo softening which is neglected in this study as once concrete reaches ultimate stress it is unsafe for service. This material ductility can be fulfilled with the application of high-strength fibres with ductile behaviour. However, the hybridization of two or more fibres can incorporate two different characteristics of the fibre used. The use of ordinary-grade of concrete moreover reduces the shear-resisting capacity of the joint. A hybrid mix of hooked-end steel fibre with basalt fibre and crimpled steel fibre with polypropylene fibre are used with a volume fraction of 1% to 1.4% of the concrete. In this study, ordinary M25 grade concrete and fibre mixed M25 grade concrete is employed under static and cyclic loading. The laboratory tests are also conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, split-tensile strength, and flexural strength of the hybrid mix fibre-reinforced concrete at the age of 28th days. Five full-scale models of the beam-column joint are designed as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. Numerical models of concrete and steel reinforcement are developed. Numerical analysis is carried out using finite element software ANSYS-v21. The behaviours of the beam-column joint are observed under static as well as cyclic loading. Crack patterns, first crack load, initial displacement, ultimate load, and ultimate displacement are observed under static conditions. And under cyclic loading, hysteresis load vs displacement, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation are observed. The hybridization of hooked steel with basalt fibre gives better results in mechanical strengths and the hybrid effect of crimpled steel with polypropylene fibre gives better results in mechanical strengths. And also under numerical study, the above specimens show an improvement in energy dissipation capacity. Keywords beam-column joint, hybrid fibre reinforced concrete, numerical concrete model, ANSYS, static, reverse cyclic, energy dissipation, stiffness, crack
Photoluminescence of Erbium-Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Hernández Erasto Vergara , Montufar César Eduardo Cea , Ramírez Miguel Angel Cerro , Hernández Fabián Mendoza
Published: February 2024

The present work reviews the results of the photoluminescence study of erbium-doped ZnO nanostructures synthesized by physical and chemical methods. ZnO is a semiconductor compound composed of zinc and oxygen atoms. It possesses a wide bandgap (3.37 eV) and is optically and electrically active. When ZnO is synthesized in the form of nanostructures, such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, or nanosheets, it exhibits enhanced properties compared to its bulk counterpart due to quantum confinement effects and a high surface-to-volume ratio. By controlling different parameters in the growth processes of erbium-doped ZnO nanostructures, materials can be synthesized for different applications such as sensors, optoelectronics, and energy harvesting.
Hemostasis disorders in intensive care unit in Assiut University Hospital: a prospective study
Authors: Aly Mai M , El Hefny Noor El deen , Ibrahim Mohamed F , Hamad Dina A
Published: February 2024

Abstracts

Hemostasis disorders either bleeding or thrombosis that occur in intensive care unit (ICU) are common multifactorial problems that affect morbidity and mortality. Prompt identification and correct management improve ICU patient’s outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of hemostasis disorders among ICU patients and to establish a relationship between hemostasis disorders and outcome of ICU patients. A total of 350 patients were admitted to ICU during the study period. Hundred were excluded secondary to having one or more exclusion criterion; liver diseases (n=33), receiving anticoagulant agents (n=23), bleeding or coagulation disorders at time of admission (n=17), atrial fibrillation (n=12), nephrotic syndrome (n=8), inherited coagulation defects (n=7) and 10 patients were excluded due to incomplete data. A total of 240 patients were recruited in the study analysis. Eighty (33.3%) patients developed different form of hemostatic disorders during their hospital stay within ICU while 160 (66.7%) patients did not develop hemostatic disorders. On admission patients with hemostasis disorder had significantly longer INR (1.10 ± 0.19 vs. 1.05 ± 0.09, P=0.03) and D-dimer (2.32 ± 0.97 vs. 0.55 ± 0.28, P<0.001) with lower fibrinogen level (77.56 ± 9.89 vs. 134.56 ± 10.98, P<0.001). The most frequent form of hemostasis was thrombocytopenia (55%) with mean platelets count (90.87 ± 10.19 × 109/l) followed by pulmonary embolism (16.2%) and DIC (13.7%) with mean D-dimer (2.87 ± 1.11). There were another three patients were found to had thrombasthenia. Four patients developed DVT, three patients were diagnosed as Churg-Strauss syndrome, and two patients had acute limb ischemia. Causes of thrombocytopenia were HIT (4.5%), sepsis (70.5%) and drug-induced (25%). Patients with hemostasis disorders had significantly longer hospital stay (13.12 ± 5.76 vs. 7.01 ± 1.43 (days); P<0.001) while patients without hemostasis disorders had significantly higher overall survival (19.25 (16.69–21.82) vs. 8.55 (8.11–8.98) days; P<0.001) in comparison to those with hemostasis disorders.,In Conclusion, critically ill patients are vulnerable to develop different forms of hemostatic disorders that may seriously affect the outcome.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04179357
Outcome of novel pulp capping modalities after full pulpotomy in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mishra Sneh , Taneja Sonali , Bhalla Vidhi Kiran , Rathore Akshay
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of biodentine (BD) alone, BD along with Lyophilised freeze dried platelet rich concentrate (LPC + BD), and BD along with low-level laser therapy (BD + LLLT) after pulpotomy in mature permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis.

Materials and Methods:

The study was designed as a randomized, pragmatic, parallel, double-blinded clinical trial registered under the Clinical Trial Registry–India (CTRI/2020/02/023245). 120 permanent molars fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were randomized after performing pulpotomy into three pulp capping groups: Group 1, BD; Group 2, lyophilized freeze-dried platelet-rich concentrate + BD (LPC + BD); and Group 3, Low level laser therapy + BD Group 3, LLLT + BD. The intergroup comparison was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni test. The level of significance and confidence interval were 5% and 95%, respectively. Interobserver reliability was measured using Cohen’s kappa analysis.

Results:

At 1 week, there was a significant difference (P < 0.005) observed in the mean postoperative pain levels between the three groups with Group 1 (BD) exhibiting the highest postoperative pain followed by Group 2 (LPC + BD) and least pain was exhibited by Group 3 (LLLT + BD). A similar pattern was observed regarding the analgesic intake with maximum frequency in Group 1 (BD) and least with Group 3 (LLLT + BD). No significant difference in success rates was reported among the groups.

Conclusion:

Pulpotomy as a treatment option for mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis has an acceptable clinical success rate; however, long-term overall success rate remains questionable. The outcomes of incorporating adjunctive modalities with BD are remarkable and show tremendous potential for continued development and research.
The impact of online interprofessional learning on family health education to prepare collaborative-ready health professionals: A mixed-method study
Authors: Hermasari Bulan K. , Maftuhah Atik , Nugroho Dian , Budiastuti Veronika I. , Pamungkasari Eti P.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an experience that occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to improve the quality of health services. One of the IPE teaching strategies is to use an online approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community needs effective health education to prevent disease transmission. This study aims to assess the attitudinal changes toward IPE among health students in Indonesia after attending an online course during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study used a mixed-method study design with a concurrent approach. It was conducted in 2021 at a health profession education school of a University in Indonesia. An online project-based interprofessional learning in family health education was conducted. The quantitative analysis was carried out using pre- and post-tests with The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) survey. Meanwhile, the qualitative methods used the phenomenological approach to Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and student reflective essays. The qualitative data were coded using thematic content analysis. The paired samples t-test was used if the data were normally distributed, or the Wilcoxon test if the data had abnormal distribution.

RESULTS:

The students’ attitudes regarding team and collaboration; professional identity; roles and responsibility improved significantly from pre- to post-test (<0.001). The participants perceived that all four interprofessional core competencies were achieved in their learning. They also mentioned their experiences regarding factors contributing to the success of the online course. The family health education project gave the participants more insight into professionalism and patient-centered care.

CONCLUSIONS:

Online IPE courses can increase student readiness in collaborative practice and support students’ learning to achieve interprofessional core competencies. The students feel the benefit of family health education for their profession.
Inequalities in access to information: The case of cancer patients treated at the prefecture of Meknes—Morocco “Qualitative Research in Sociology”
Authors: Rharib Oussama , Ababou Mohammed
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

If in the past the relationship between caregiver and patient was paternalistic based on the principle of protection, the advent of health democracy has made this relationship evolve to build it on the principles of equality and autonomy for the patient. However, this practice leaves something to be desired, given the forms of inequality in access to information that mark the relationship between caregiver and cancer patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The objective of this qualitative study is to present a sociological view of the process of shaping inequalities in access to information and its determinants. The study took place in the medical prefecture of Meknes, with a target population consisting of cancer patients treated in public and private health establishments. A qualitative content analysis approach using semi-structured interviews was employed.

RESULT:

A diversity of attitudes of the cancer patient with regard to the information, depending on whether the patient is strongly or weakly involved by the health professional in his or her illness or in the care he or she receives. In this case: a) active patient better informed; b) passive patient more or less informed; c) patient in denial who refuses to be informed.

CONCLUSION:

It seems that the issue of inequality of access to information is not a topical one, and yet it is given little consideration in the policies of the Ministry of Health, particularly in the fight against cancer in Morocco.
Engaging young people with sexual health services in general practice surgeries – A qualitative study of health care professionals
Authors: Adakpa Itodo , Randhawa Gurch , Ochieng Bertha
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Evidence to date suggests that young people are becoming more sexually active and are forming relationships during the early stages of their lives, sometimes engaging in sexual risk-taking, which contributes to high rates of conception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Young people at risk of adverse sexual health outcomes are the least likely to engage with reproductive and sexual health promotion programmes and services (RSHPPs), especially in mainstream clinics such as general practice (GP) surgeries. The study aimed to explore the views and experiences of service providers.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative approach to explore the views and experiences of designing and implementing RSHPPs for young people in GP surgeries was used. A total of seven participants were interviewed, including four general practitioners (GPs), two of whom were managers at the practice; one nurse; one healthcare and support worker; and one practice manager.

Results:

The context of RSHPPs such as local health priorities and partnerships to address STIs and unplanned pregnancies among young people contribute to the implementation and engagement of young people with RSHPPs. Training of GPs, nurses, and support workers helps develop confidence and overcome personal factors by promoting effective engagement of young people with RSHPPs.

Conclusion:

Addressing local health priorities such as reducing teenage pregnancies and STIs requires organisations to provide RSHPPs in both non-clinical and clinical settings to ensure that RSHPPs are accessible to young people. There is room for improvement in access to RSH for young people in GP surgeries by addressing organisational and structural barriers to access.
A Normative Study Assessing the Factorial Validity of the PERMA Profiler in Indian Emerging Adult Women
Authors: Shaik Amreen , Baboo Smitha , Rajan Santhosh Kareepadath
Published: February 2024

Background:

The PERMA Profiler is a 23-item questionnaire that measures five pillars of well-being as conceptualized by the PERMA Theory of Well-being. PERMA stands for Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Aims and Objectives:

The present study observed the normative information and assessed the factorial validity and reliability of the PERMA Profiler among emerging adult women (aged between 17 and 23) from different states in South India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 309 participants completed the PERMA Profiler. We used Shapiro-Wilk’s test to assess normality, descriptive statistics to establish normative data, and t-test and ANOVA to measure the impact of demographic variables on well-being. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and factor structure was tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity of the scale was also assessed.

Results:

Findings showed that age could influence the relationship factor of the PERMA Profiler. Normative data indicated that women in India are lower in PERMA factors, happiness, and well-being compared to the Western, European, Asian, and African countries. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the PERMA Profiler fits the five-factor correlational and hierarchical models. The PERMA factors failed to show adequate discriminant validity. Only meaning showed acceptable convergent validity.

Conclusion:

The study provided reasonably comprehensive normative information on the PERMA Profiler for emerging adult women from India. It can be recommended as a valid tool that gives greater weight to well-being as an underlying construct rather than the factors.
A Cross-sectional Study of Burnout and Associated Factors in Resident Doctors of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shekhawat B. S. , Meena Vimal , Dhaka Vikas , Yadav Sandhya , Vignesh K. , Khinchi Mithlesh
Published: February 2024

Background:

Resident doctors are working in a stressful environment continuously for prolonged period, which can lead to burnout syndrome.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of burnout among resident doctors and to determine factors that are associated with burnout.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study that included 200 resident doctors working in different specialties of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout. A specially designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic details and other related factors.

Results:

In the present study, 52.5% of resident doctors had work-related burnout, 43% had personal burnout, and 36.5% had client-related burnout. Significantly higher burnout was seen in residents of younger age, 3rd-year residency, prolonged hours of continuous work, less hours of sleep, and clinical branches such as obstetrics and gynecology, medicine, and orthopedic. However, the study did not show any significant association of burnout with gender, marital status, and living with spouse/family.

Conclusion:

Resident doctors were found to have high rates of burnout. Age, year of residency, type of specialty, daily working hours, and sleeping hours were found to be associated with burnout.
Salt Substitutes – Utility and Safety in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wani Muzafar Maqsood , Rather Jawad Iqbal
Published: February 2024

In the shadow of the global sodium burden, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients face a particularly precarious balancing act. While reducing sodium intake is essential for mitigating cardiovascular risks and slowing CKD progression, conventional salt substitutes containing potassium pose a looming threat of hyperkalemia due to impaired renal potassium excretion. Despite promising benefits like lowered blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular events observed in the general population, robust data on the efficacy and safety of these substitutes in CKD is scarce. Hence, the urgent need arises for targeted research to establish precise risks and benefits of various salt-substitution strategies tailored specifically for the CKD population. Ideally, the holy grail of this endeavor would be the discovery of a sodium-minimizing, potassium-free substitute that flawlessly mimics the sensory experience of salt, thus empowering CKD patients to navigate experience nutritional prudence and culinary delight. The path forward demands meticulous investigation and the development of personalized sodium-reduction strategies that hold the key to unlocking a healthier future for CKD patients.
Fostering Digital Health in Universities: An Experience of the First Junior Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Congress of Health Informatics
Authors: Pantaleao Alexandre Negrao , Mennitti Anna Luísa , Brunheroto Felipe Baptista , Stavis Vitória , Ricoboni Laura Teresa , Castro Victor Augusto Fonseca de , Ferreira Ollivia Frederigue , Lage Eura Martins , Carvalho Deborah Ribeiro , Fernandes Anita Maria da Rocha , Gaspar Juliano de Souza
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Digital health (DH) is a revolution driven by digital technologies to improve health. Despite the importance of DH, curricular updates in healthcare university programs are scarce, and DH remains undervalued. Therefore, this report describes the first Junior Scientific Committee (JSC) focusing on DH at a nationwide congress, with the aim of affirming its importance for promoting DH in universities.Methods: The scientific committee of the Brazilian Congress of Health Informatics (CBIS) extended invitations to students engaged in health-related fields, who were tasked with organizing a warm-up event and a 4-hour session at CBIS. Additionally, they were encouraged to take an active role in a workshop alongside distinguished experts to map out the current state of DH in Brazil.Results: The warm-up event focused on the topic “Artificial intelligence in healthcare: is a new concept of health about to arise?” and featured remote discussions by three professionals from diverse disciplines. At CBIS, the JSC’s inaugural presentation concentrated on delineating the present state of DH education in Brazil, while the second presentation offered strategies to advance DH, incorporating viewpoints from within and beyond the academic sphere. During the workshop, participants deliberated on the most crucial competencies for future professionals in the DH domain.Conclusions: Forming a JSC proved to be a valuable tool to foster DH, particularly due to the valuable interactions it facilitated between esteemed professionals and students. It also supports the cultivation of leadership skills in DH, a field that has not yet received the recognition it deserves.