bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First detection of Arsenophonus in potato crop in Switzerland: a threat for the processing industry?
Authors: Mahillon Mathieu , Bussereau Floriane , Dubuis Nathalie , Brodard Justine , Debonneville Christophe , Schumpp Olivier
Published: September 2024

The phloem-restricted phytopathogenic bacterium CandidatusArsenophonus phytopathogenicus (Ap) causes the “syndrome basses richesses” (SBR), which has recently emerged as a major burden for sugar beets in several countries of Western Europe. Here, we report the first identification of Ap and its planthopper vector Pentastiridius leporinus in potato fields in Switzerland in 2023. The bacterium was detected in potato plants and tubers exhibiting phytoplasma-like symptoms and collected from cantons currently experiencing SBR outbreaks. Although our analyses indicate the absence of the Stolbur phytoplasma, the pathogenicity of Ap in potato remains unclear, a fortioriin the context of the poor phytosanitary status of crops in Switzerland in 2023. In infected tubers, we show that Ap can be detected after dormancy from the stem end to the emerging sprouts with decreasing titers. Importantly, Ap might induce threadlike sprouts and the browning of the flesh upon frying, raising strong concerns for varieties marketed for chips production. Altogether, our results align with recent studies performed in Germany, highlighting the host shift of Ap and its vector from sugar beet to potato crops. Our data should raise awareness in other European countries where the presence of the bacterium has been recently described.
Phylogenetic study of Iris plants in China based on chloroplast matK gene and nuclear ITS gene
Authors: Chen Mao-Lin , Feng Yi-Mei , Zhang Xin-Yu , Xu Fan , Kang Qing-Qing , Ning Xin-Jing , Wang Xian-Tong , Xiao Xue , Yang Li-Juan , Yu Xiao-Fang
Published: September 2024

Using both Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood algorithms, the ITS and matK sequences of Iris species in China were sequenced to explore the phylogenetic relationships of the six subgenera of Iris in China. After alignment of the ITS and matK sequences, a total of 893 characters were obtained for the ITS sequence, with a length variation range of 704–824 bp and 890 characters for the matK sequence, with a length variation range of 865–887 bp. The clustering analysis results were generally consistent with the subgenus classification of Iris species in China. Results suggested Subgen. Iris has a relatively complex phylogenetic relationship within the genus, and further research is needed to refine the internal classifications. Subgen. Limniris is resolved as polyphyletic and the phylogenetic relationships are quite complex. Subgen. Nepalensis is a relatively natural taxonomic group. Subgen. Crossiris is an unnatural taxonomic group. It is recommended to remove Subgen. Xyridion from the Iris classification system and to redefine the Belamcanda chinensis as a species within Subgen. Pardanthopsis of the Iris genus.
COVID-19 and Virtual Medical Education: A Correlational Study of Attitudes Towards e- learning, Perceived Stress, and Ethics among Faculty Members of Medical Universities in the Southern Region of Iran
Authors: Shadman Mohammad Amin , Kamali Farahnaz , Bagherzadeh Razieh , Pouladi Shahnaz
Published: September 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid shift to virtual education in medical universities, creating challenges for faculty due to a lack of preparedness, ethical concerns, and increased stress. This study examines the relationship between faculty attitudes toward e-learning, perceived stress, and ethical considerations in virtual medical education at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design study with a census sampling was employed to recruit 120 faculty members from Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. The faculty members were selected based on pre-established inclusion criteria and recruited between November and March 2023. The participants were provided with a link to the Google Forms questionnaire via their mobile phones, which they used to complete sections on faculty attitudes towards e-learning, perceived stress according to the Cohen scale, and the application of ethics in virtual education. In all cases, a significance level of less than 0.05 was employed. The data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS, version 20.
Results: A positive correlation was identified between attitudes toward e-learning and the ethical application of virtual education among faculty members (β = 0.279, p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no statistically significant correlation was observed between attitudes toward e-learning and its domains and perceived stress among faculty members (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study found a positive association between faculty attitudes towards e-learning and their ethical application of virtual education, suggesting that positive views on virtual education may lead to better ethical practices. However, no correlation was found between attitudes toward e-learning and perceived stress levels, indicating that positive attitudes do not necessarily mitigate stress. Further research is needed to explore factors contributing to faculty stress in virtual settings and develop strategies to promote positive attitudes and competencies while addressing stress concerns.
Multi-omics profiling reveals the molecular mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalis BB04 in co-culture with Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 to induce bifidocin A synthesis
Authors: Liu Yangshuo , Nie Rong , Shen Kaisheng , Diao Xinjie , Liu Guorong
Published: September 2024

Bacteriocin is a kind of natural substance that can effectively inhibit bacteria, but its production usually limited by environment. Co-culture is a strategy to stimulate bacteriocin production. Bifidocin A produced by Bifidobacterium animalis BB04, is a novel bacteriocin with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active of foodborne bacteria. In order to enhance bifidocin A production, bacteriocin-inducing strains were screened firstly in co-cultivation. Then, the molecular mechanism of co-cultural induction was investigated by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Finally, the key inducing metabolites were identified by using targeted metabolomic technology. The results showed that Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 in co-cultivation could significantly enhance bifidocin A production with 3-fold increase compared with mono-culture. The induction may not depend on direct contact with cells, but on continuous stimulation of inducing substances in a certain concentration. In co-cultivation, W. anomalus Y-5 up-regulated Hxk2 and Tap42 to activate glucose-cAMP and Tor and HOG-MAPK pathway, stimulated the expression of the retrograde gene, produced glutamine and glycerol to maintain activity. During this process, glutamine, inosine, guanosine, adenine, uracil, fumaric acid and pyruvic acid produced by W. anomalus Y-5 could induce the synthesis of bifidocin A. In conclusion, W. anomalus Y-5 in co-cultivation induced the synthesis of bifidocin A by regulating various signaling pathways to produce inducing substances. These findings lay a foundation for bifidocin A high-efficient synthesis and provide a new perspectives on the industrial production of bacteriocin.
Barriers and Facilitators to Nutritional Risk Management in Cancer Patients from the Perspective of Nurses: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Song Jiating , Liao Ruotong , Huang Qihua , Zhang Zhixia , Luo huifang
Published: September 2024

Background: The global incidence of cancer is increasing, and in China, about 32% to 43% of cancer patients are at nutritional risk, with less than 25% receiving nutritional risk management. Managing nutritional risk in cancer patients presents significant challenges, making it necessary to understand the factors that facilitate and hinder this process.
Aim: This qualitative study, based on the Self-Disclosure Model and using grounded theory, aims to explore the barriers and facilitators in the nutritional risk management of cancer patients from the perspective of Chinese nurses to improve nutritional risk management in this population.
Methods: In this study, semi-structured interviews were employed. A qualitative interview team was formed, conducting two group interviews and fifteen one-on-one interviews.
Results: The analysis identified several facilitating factors for managing nutritional risk in cancer patients: high motivation for learning among nurses, a sense of achievement from successfully managing patients, and a focus on the construction of nutrition subspecialties in nursing. Five barriers were identified: issues with nutritional risk management tools, lack of knowledge among nurses regarding nutritional risk management, inadequate related management systems within hospitals, non-intelligent information systems, and negative feedback from doctors or patients during the communication process.
Conclusion: While nurses are concerned about nutritional risk management in cancer patients, obstacles remain. Nursing managers can improve the rate of nutritional risk management in cancer patients by focusing on the construction of nutrition nursing specialties, ensuring institutional support, enhancing system intelligence, and expanding the influence of specialized nutrition nurses.
This study was not registered with a research trial registry.
Biomass waste as a raw material for the mesoporous catalyst synthesis and its application in HDO of guaiacol for biofuel production
Authors: Rivoira Lorena P. , Ledesma Brenda C. , Fraire María V. , Valles Verónica A. , Costa Marcos B. Gómez , Beltramone Andrea R.
Published: September 2024

Platinum-modified activated carbon was synthesized and studied for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol. The activated carbon support was prepared using orange peel from industrial waste. Platinum was added by wetness impregnation. The activity was compared with that of platinum supported on mesoporous silica and commercial activated carbon catalysts. The catalysts prepared were characterized by different techniques: XRD and N2 adsorption isotherms to confirm the mesoporous structure, and XPS, H2-Chemisorption and Boehm titration to determine active sites and acidity. The results showed that high-surface-area active carbon support favors the formation of small platinum metallic particles, highly dispersed over the surface. The catalysts were active for guaiacol HDO performed in the laboratory at 200° C and 12 atm of H2 in a Batch PARR reactor. Carbon was activated using phosphoric acid during the synthesis. The interaction between the peculiar acidity generated on the support by H3PO4, accompanied by the high hydrogenation capacity of the metallic platinum particles, enhanced catalytic activity, and selectivity for deoxygenated products. This research aims at developing an environmentally friendly catalyst to produce biomolecules of high aggregated value.
Unlocking the potential of undervalued forest residues: a comprehensive characterization of eucalypt stumps in the biorefinery context
Authors: Gominho Jorge , Habrant Anouck , Costa Ricardo A. , Chabbert Brigitte , Lourenço Ana
Published: September 2024

Eucalyptus globulusstumps were fractionated in three Discs, and their constituent tissues - heartwood, sapwood and bark - subjected to further chemical characterization by summative analysis, evaluation of the phytochemical profile and antioxidants activities, plus GC/MS and analytical pyrolysis. Wood density was similar between tissues and Disc level: values ranging from 0.652 to 0.705 g/cm³ (Disc 1) and 0.605 g/cm³ (Disc 5). Bark had high ash (3.5%), extractives (7.5%) and holocellulose (68.4%) but lower lignin contents (22.0%). Original heartwood contained 0.7% ash, 7.0% extractives, 27.1% lignin, and 67.3% holocellulose. Heartwood showed high extractives (12.1-15.8%), less lignin (23.9-24.5%), and high holocellulose (61.7-64.7%) than sapwood containing 3.9-5.4% extractives, 26.9-27.3% lignin and 68.6-71.5% holocellulose. Water extracts had poor antioxidant activity in contrast to ethanol extracts which activities were the highest in heartwood. All tissues presented GS lignin type with S/G ratios varying from 3.0-3.4 (heartwood), 3.2-3.4 (sapwood), bark (3.5) and 3.8 (original heartwood). In wood, fibers and vessels were highly lignified with SG and G-lignin respectively; while rays had low lignin with G-type. Light and fluorescence macroscopic observation of the tissues in Disc 1 revealed lower proportion and larger vessels in sapwood and high emission fluorescence at 488nm.
Self-Care Practices of Professionals on Residency Programs in the State of Paraíba in Brazil and Their Implications for Primary Health Care
Authors: Machado Ana Paula Ramos , Souza Élida de Fátima Diniz , Oliveira José Danuzio Leite , Oliveira José Olivandro Duarte , Nóbrega Lauradella Geraldinne Sousa , Toscano Maysa Barbosa Rodrigues , Massa Nayara Moreira Lacerda , Olinda Ricardo Alves , Tomaz Alecsandra Ferreira , Medeiros Carla Campos Muniz , Matheson David , Santos Silvana
Published: September 2024

Background
The aim of this study was to examine the self-care skills of residents and preceptors affiliated to the Family and Community Medicine (FCM) and Multiprofessional Family Health Residency (MFHR) programs in the state of Paraíba - Brazil as well as to investigate the association between self-care and the practices of these professionals in Primary Health Care (PHC). FCM residents are doctors in postgraduate training, while MFHR residents are allied healthcare professionals in postgraduate training.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach and a census-type sample of 300 professionals. Data was obtained using an electronic questionnaire applied in the second half of 2023. Descriptive, bivariate (Chi-square and Fisher's exact) and logistic regression analyses were carried out. The grouping variable “self-care” was found to be associated with sociodemographic and work-related variables, physical and mental health conditions and professional practice.
Results
The majority of participants were female (69.3%), had no partner (53.4%) and no children (75.7%). Half of the professionals (54.0%) had self-care skills, which were associated with the perception of their state of health as very good or excellent. Among the doctors, 36.4% and 7.7% declared that they were overweight and obese respectively, and the prevalence rates were similar for multi-professionals. More doctors said they had a mental disorder (46.9%) than did the multiprofessionals (31.5%) (p = 0.022). Professionals who took care of themselves felt “very motivated” to provide guidance on the subject in the service (p = 0.006); they developed more health education projects (p = 0.042) and had more professional experience in the prevention and management of obesity and chronic diseases (p = 0.026) than those who did not take care of themselves or took care of themselves sporadically.
Conclusion
Health professionals' self-care skills in their personal lives were associated with their motivation to provide guidance on self-care to the population that they assisted in PHC. Our findings point to the need for actions and policies that encourage self-care among health professionals, given that this could have a positive impact on their areas of work.
Association Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Mortality Risk Among Prostate Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: Yu Qiong , Wang Lingyu , Ren Lishen , Shi Guang
Published: September 2024

Objective
To evaluate the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and daily sitting time with the mortality rate among US after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Methods:
A prospective cohort of a nationally representative sample of prostate cancer survivors, age 40 years or older(n=617) from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018. Participants were linked to mortality data from their interview and physical examination date through December 31, 2019. Daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) were self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior, adjusting for potential covariates.
Result
During the follow-up period of up to 7.3 years, after adjusting for covariates, compared with those who sit for less than 8 hours per day, the HR for all-cause mortality among those who sit for 8 or more hours per day were 1.77(95% CI,1.20-2.61) respectively. Furthermore, each additional hour of daily sitting was associated with a 4% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality. Physically active survivors demonstrated a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to inactive survivors (HR=0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.87). In combined analyses, prostate cancer survivors who were inactive or insufficiently active and sat for 8 or more hours a day were 3.37 times (95% CI: 1.84–6.16) more likely to die from any cause compared to those who were active and sat for less than 6 hours a day.
Conclusions
An active engagement in LTPA coupled with a decrease in daily sedentary periods is associated with a reduced risk of mortality across the board, with a notable decrease in mortality from non-cancerous conditions. The findings suggest that embracing an active lifestyle could significantly enhance the health outcomes for prostate cancer survivors.
Do executive functions and processing speed mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and educational achievement? Analysis of an observational birth cohort study
Authors: Mooney Kate E , Cheung Rachael W. , Blower Sarah L. , Allen Richard J. , Waterman Amanda
Published: September 2024

Background
There are large and persistent social inequalities in children’s educational attainment, with children from more socioeconomically disadvantaged families consistently having lower attainment. Despite this being widely reported, the mechanisms underlying the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and educational attainment are not well understood. It is important to understand the potential mechanisms by which socioeconomic disadvantage may impede on educational outcomes, as this knowledge could then be used to help target possible interventions to improve educational outcomes for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Children’s executive functions (including working memory and inhibition) and processing speed abilities may underlie these inequalities, however, the previous literature regarding this is limited.
This study examined longitudinal mediating mechanisms between socioeconomic status and educational achievement, using a socioeconomically deprived and ethnically diverse cohort.
Methods
Data from the Born in Bradford longitudinal cohort study was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (n=4201; 28% White British, 56% Pakistani heritage, 16% Other; 54% Female). Socioeconomic Status (SES) was measured before birth, executive functions and processing speed were measured in middle childhood (Mage=8.45 years), and educational achievement was obtained through educational records (Mage=10.85 years). All models adjusted for child gender, age, language ability, ethnicity, and parent immigration status.
Results
Executive functions significantly mediated the association between SES and educational achievement (B=0.109), whilst processing speed did not. Examination of executive function components revealed that working memory significantly mediated the associated between SES and educational achievement (B=.100), whilst inhibition did not. Working memory appeared to account for a large proportion (39%) of the total effect of SES on educational achievement.
Conclusions
These results, and the theoretical mechanisms linking working memory to educational achievement, both indicate the importance of finding ways to support children with working memory difficulties in the classroom. This is an important avenue for future research and may be useful for closing the socioeconomic gap in educational achievement.
A Journey Through Islamic Art Exhibition: Purification of Form, Ineradicable in Content
Authors: Muhammad Uzair Ismail
Published: September 2024

Throughout the years, the manifestations of Islamic art from east and west have been diverse in the formalistic aspects but united in its spiritual essence. The wide range of ornamental motifs, stylisation, placement, material, and context is constantly changing according to the current trend of the period, reflecting the historical, social-cultural and economic background it was produced. This ensues that change is inevitably bound to happen, where traditional approach in Islamic art might not be suitable to implement in the modern society due to the unavailability of precious materials and patronage as before. Despite the challenge, the “Islamic” identity in their artworks is still being discretely preserved in their expression despite implementing and combining new techniques, styles, forms, and materials with traditional approaches. This creates an asymmetrical balance that embraces change while maintaining the Islamic principle, philosophy, and spiritual allure in their artistic production where the artists design their art to be parallel and in context with modernity. However, the Islamic identity in contemporary artworks is difficult to identify and challenging to decipher as the visual expression differs significantly from traditional art forms that people are accustomed to, making it vaguely recognised and understood. This constant and dynamic flux of tolerance and acculturation is something that is being visually exhibited by the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in their special curation “A Journey Through Islamic Art” that showcases traditional and contemporary form of Islamic art in the same place. Although the curation is impressive, but the visual tension it creates invokes the mind to think deeply about what makes an Islamic art “Islamic” and what is the suitable approach to appropriately fathom and consider the art piece as a work of “Islamic art” as the physical form of calligraphy alone is not sufficient for it to be considered as “Islamic.”
Relationship between corporate governance and audit quality in the industry sector: Moderating role of firm performance
Authors: Fawzi Shubita Mohammad , Habis Alrawashedh Nahed , Ahmad Alqam Mohammad
Published: September 2024

This study explores the relevance of corporate governance mechanisms in determining audit quality, with a specific focus on the moderating role of firm performance in the Jordanian industrial sector. Audit quality is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting, making this analysis highly relevant for stakeholders aiming to strengthen corporate governance. The study sample included 64 manufacturing companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the study period (2014–2022), with a total of 474 firm-year observations. The regression analysis is used to investigate the study hypotheses, including the key variables related to corporate governance, board performance, and audit quality. The findings show that company size has a significant positive effect on audit quality. There is no significant impact of CEO duality, independent directors, and ownership concentration on audit quality within the Jordanian industrial sector. The R² value of 0.067 indicates that approximately 6.7% of the variance in audit quality is explained by the study variables, while the F-value of 6.633, with a significance level of 0.00, suggests that the overall model is statistically significant, even though the explanatory power is relatively low. The study shows that company size is important to improve audit quality; other governance mechanisms may not have the same impact in the Jordanian industrial sector.
Evaluating the impact of risk management and risk-based internal audit on fraud detection in local governments
Authors: Juwita Sari Harahap Angginun , Erlina
Published: September 2024

One of the leading indicators for improving fraud detection capability is the evaluation of the implementation of risk management and risk-based internal audit and information technology systems. This study aims to evaluate how risk management and risk-based internal audits influence fraud detection capabilities in local government when integrated with information technology systems. SPSS 26 was utilized for data analysis. The paper uses a quantitative approach, collecting primary data with questionnaires distributed among 200 auditors and 70 supervisors across four districts in West Java. A purposive sampling approach based on self-selection was used. The findings show that the ability to detect fraud is significantly and positively influenced by the implementation of a risk-based internal audit (sig 0.000 < 0.05) and risk management process (sig 0.000 < 0.05). On the other hand, the risk management framework (sig 0.107 > 0.05) has a negative and insignificant effect on improving fraud detection capability. In addition, the relationships between the risk management process (sig 0.006 < 0.05) and fraud detection capability were found to be moderated by information technology systems. However, information technology systems are unable to moderate the relationship between risk-based internal audit (sig 0.563 > 0.05) and risk management framework (sig 0.115 > 0.05) on fraud detection capability. Therefore, risk management and risk-based internal audits are able to detect fraud, and information technology systems can strengthen the risk management process with the ability to detect fraud.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to thank the University of North Sumatra, especially the Research Institute, for its support and the Ministry of Education and Research through the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service program for providing intellectual assistance and funding for this project in the PMDSU grant (number: 91/UN5.4.10.S/PPM/KP-DRTPM/2024).
Mudanças recentes (1987-2019) da margem leste do estuário da foz do Rio Pará, dominado por macromaré (Amazônia Oriental-Brasil)
Authors: Martins Guimarães Diandra Karina , El-Robrini Maâmar , Peixoto Rosário Renan , Alves Menezes Rafael Alexandre
Published: September 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar e quantifi-car as áreas em erosão e/ou em acreção com intui-to de compreender a dinâmica da linha de costa (LC) dos municípios de Vigia e de São Caetano de Odivelas (margem leste) no trecho inferior do Estu-ário do Rio Pará, utilizando uma análise multitem-poral através de emprego de imagens de satélite Landsat (1987 a 2019) da USGS, como auxílio do Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). A maior tendência de acreção ocorreu em Vigia, com taxas, média de 1,26 m/ano e máxima de 10,06 m/ano no EPR. Em São Caetano de Odivelas, a taxa média de variação nos parâmetros EPR, LRR e NSM foram respectivamente de 0,40 m/ano 0,25 m/ano e 13,09 m/ano, confirmando o predomínio da acre-ção nesta área.
An Overview of Transdisciplinary and Bottom-up Approach for Urban Resilience: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Özdamar Esen , Önay Ertuğ
Published: September 2024

While top-down strategies have traditionally dominated urban planning in Turkey, recent shifts towards participatory practices and project-based policies have aimed to involve citizens in decision-making processes. Nevertheless, in the case of Turkey, these participatory models are inadequate for effectively addressing resilience. This article therefore discusses the role of participatory processes in creating resilient cities, as well as how to strengthen transdisciplinary (TR) and bottom-up approaches to urban participation in Turkish urban contexts. The article presents a theoretical framework that connects TR and bottom-up approaches based on existing literature, practices, and planning policy examples. It argues that TR approaches complement bottom-up approaches to urban governance by enhancing urban and social resilience, strengthening local communities, and reducing urban inequalities. Urban planning efforts that promote collaboration, incorporate multiple perspectives, and involve local communities in decision-making processes can address complex urban issues while also fostering long-term sustainability and resilience. This approach not only instills a sense of ownership and empowerment among urban residents but also leverages knowledge and skills to generate more effective and sustainable solutions. By creating a framework that promotes long-term education and citizenship awareness, urban governance can sustain urban resilience in a more viable manner over the long term in Turkey.
Assessment of the Climate Change Vulnerability of the Cities in Turkey
Authors: Ustaoglu Eda , Bovkır Rabia , Sisman Suleyman
Published: September 2024

Climate-related vulnerability indices are increasingly being utilized to enhance the creation of better disaster management strategies and to better understand and anticipate the effects of disasters related to climate change. This study evaluates the climate change vulnerability of the cities in Türkiye through focusing on their exposure, susceptibilities and adaptive capacities to climate change. Data from social, economic and environmental sub-indicators were assessed and most relevant indicators were aggregated with the goal of constructing a composite Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI). The CCVI includes six forms of capital leading to socio-economic and environmental sustainability i.e. social, public utility and transport, economics, land cover, meteorology and atmospheric conditions, and natural disaster capitals, and will be assessed combining each of these forms of capitals and its three dimensions (exposure, susceptibility and adaptive capacity). Stakeholder-driven structured methodology that discovers and ranks context-relevant indicators and sets weights for aggregating indicator scores by using the Best-Worst method (BWM) and stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) method are utilised. The indicators are aggregated through application of the BWM and SWARA weights using a linear aggregation method. From BWM and SWARA, the highest weights were obtained for meteorological conditions and land cover which are more than 0.36 and 0.22, respectively. The lowest weights were assigned to social characteristics and economy both of which were smaller than 0.10. The findings indicated that the cities on the northern, western and southern coasts as well as the cities in south-east region are the most vulnerable to climate change. The construction of CCVI can be used as part of decision-making process to minimize hazards and exposure to risk of climate change for the cities of Türkiye.
A Framework to Enhance Flexible Blended Architectural Design Education
Authors: Moanis Yasmin , Makram Abeer
Published: September 2024

In the last few years, there have been lots of challenges facing the world from pandemics and wars that have raised a series of challenges facing architectural education, which create a challenge for both teachers and students and to which extent they can adapt to the post-digital adaptation period, as well as the future of architectural education in general.
Architecture and design environments mainly require face-to-face learning and teaching techniques that depend on the interaction between the student and the teacher, where application and practical education take place. Furthermore, studio-designed spaces provide solidarity, positive energy, and motivation for students. Therefore, activating the distance learning process that affect the architectural education strategy and directed institutions and teachers to the necessity of flexibility and adaptation as a part of the structure of architectural education curricula.
this study is a humble try to evaluate the role of blended learning experiences incorporating architectural design programmes that were first applied after the last pandemic. It focuses on the importance of flexible architectural education through the overlap between the traditional studio and the virtual studio to achieve a positive experience for students and staff members. This is done by observing a design studio procedure during a blended learning period and with the help of a questionnaire for a diverse number of students and faculty members on the subject of architectural design at one of the Egyptian universities that host the architecture department. It is conducted for the purpose of flexible handling through the integration of distance learning with architectural design education in relation to the era of pandemics, the digital age, and the like in the future. The research contributes to developing a future framework that enhances the flexibility of architectural design education, supports self-education, and turns the architectural design studio into an opportunity for reproduction and renewal.
Exploring the role of pedological and climatic aspects in the medium-term decline of green roofs hydrological performance: an experimental study in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: D'Ambrosio Roberta , Foresta Vito , Longobardi Antonia , Ferlisi Settimio
Published: September 2024

In the realm of sustainable strategies for urban flooding risk mitigation, green roofs (GRs) emerge as a key solution. The complex relationship between hydrological, pedological, and climatic aspects poses several challenges in the definition of GRs’ medium-term behaviour, emphasizing the imperative for further research. Embedding pedological and climatological evidence, this study focuses on relevant observed changes in the hydrological performance and behaviour of two extensive GR test beds located in southern Italy over a 7-year monitoring period. Experimental rainfall and runoff data, at the event scale, point to a reduction of approximately 12% in the stormwater retention capacity (RC) of monitored GRs. Additionally, a comparative analysis of RC values in two specific time windows revealed how, in an early stage, it was controlled by soil moisture content whereas it is currently (aged state) mainly related to rainfall characteristics. After excluding climate variability as a potential driver for observed RC changes, a pedological experimental campaign highlights variations in the physical and hydraulic parameters of the peat substrate, which, in turn, is addressed to affect the retention and detention capabilities of the GRs.
Ancient civilizations’ territorial borders analyzed through their cosmogonies
Authors: Cimadomo Guido , Esmailpour Ghoochani Iradj , Martínez Ponce Pilar
Published: September 2024

This paper compares the ancient Mediterranean and Mesopotamian civilizations’ concept of borders and their relation with the spaces they transformed through a comparative approach of selected ancient civilizations, putting these cosmogonies into a chronological evolutionary line. The distinct motifs, symbols, and theological frameworks are examined through secondary sources. While each of these civilizations counts with individual studies, few serious attempts have been made to address these four civilizations together. The discussion aims to set the premises of the importance of borders in contemporary urban and territorial studies when religion often has a secondary role. While they were critical elements in the definition of territorial limits in the past, their inheritance is still present in our contemporary concept of borders as producers of fears.
Dororidade, ficção e realidade em "Shirley Paixão", de Conceição Evaristo
Authors: Dalmolin Mariliane , Hidemi de Lima Marcos
Published: September 2024

O presente estudo se propõe a analisar a relação existente entre literatura e sociedade no conto “Shirley Paixão”, de Conceição Evaristo. Em um primeiro momento, busca-se esclarecer que o texto evaristiano, embora respaldado por fatores externos à narrativa, não deve ser entendido apenas sob a perspectiva sociológica, pois ainda configura como uma criação artística. Nesse sentido, serão destacados elementos que denotam a presença da ficção e da realidade na prosa em questão, demonstrando brevemente o que a difere das demais produções literárias brasileiras. Para além disso, outro tópico a ser tratado diz respeito à dororidade, afinal de contas é este termo pouco conhecido que une as personagens femininas em torno de um tópico em comum: a dor. Em face do exposto, a fim de comprovar as ideias apresentadas, serão utilizados números reais que reforçam a proximidade entre história e ficção. Ademais, são fundamentais também as leituras de Candido (2006), acerca da interdependência entre ambas as esferas citadas, e Piedade (2019), que explica e discute o conceito de dororidade. Assim sendo, foi possível concluir que Evaristo edifica sua escrita em assuntos comuns a uma parcela significativa da sociedade e, ao poetizá-las, inventa uma maneira distinta de representar as mulheres pretas na literatura nacional.
O jardim discursivo de Valter Hugo Mãe: a verbo-visualidade em Homens impudentemente poéticos
Authors: Corsini Lourenção Cristiane , Brait Beth
Published: September 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre a elaboração verbo-visual presente no romance Homens imprudentemente poéticos, de Valter Hugo Mãe, a partir da análise da personagem Matsu e da figura do cronotopo da floresta dos suicidas como epicentro irradiador das tensões narrativas. Para tanto, investiga-se as relações dialógicas, com aporte em Mikhail Bakhtin e o Círculo, e propõe-se uma leitura da verbo-visualidade, no sentido de que o verbal está tecido de forma a fazer ver com palavras. Nessa perspectiva, a análise das inter-relações tecidas entre o conteúdo, o material e a forma do texto, no sentido da estética dialógica, bakhtinianamente proposta, servirá de lente para que se compreenda o poder imagético do texto de Valter Hugo Mãe e seu papel na narrativa.
Systematic Review of Library Service Accesibility using Artificial Intelligence
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Tunjungsari Pipit , Suprihatin Suprihatin ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: September 2024

Libraries play a vital role in providing access to knowledge but face accessibility challenges for disabled usres. AI technology, like chatbots and text-to-speech, can ehnance library accessibility despite challenges such as funding and ethical concerns. This study explores AI’s use for navigation and training to improve library accessibility for disabled users. Using a systematic literature review of ScienceDirect articles from 2014-2024, the study examines AI technology features, impelentation challenges, and libraries’ roles in providing support. The analysis reveals that main AI features include speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and virtual assistants. Implementation challenges involve staff skill gaps, budget constraints, and ethical issues. Libraries play a crucial role in integrating AI, promoting AI literacy, and offering inclusive facilities. The implementation of AI technology is essential to improve accessibility through features like voice recognition, OCR, and touch-based interaction. However, challenges such as cost, infrastructure, staff training, and data security must be addressed. Libraries should focus on providing infrastructure, training, collaboration, evaluation, and promotion of services, as well as clear accessibility policies. AI implementation should prioritize solving technical, financial, and human resource challenges, while supporting collaboration with disability organizations and technology developers. Further research is needed to gauge the effectiveness, efficiency, and integration of AI for inclusive library services.
Trends in Prescription of Stimulants and Narcoleptic Drugs in Switzerland: Longitudinal Health Insurance Claims Analysis for the Years 2014-2021
Authors: Scharf Tamara , Huber Carola A , Näpflin Markus , Zhang Zhongxing , Khatami Ramin
Published: September 2024

Background

Stimulants are potent treatments for central hypersomnolence disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders/attention deficit disorders but concerns have been raised about their potential negative consequences and their increasing prescription rates.

Objective

We aimed to describe stimulant prescription trends in Switzerland from 2014 to 2021. Second, we aimed to analyze the characteristics of individuals who received stimulant prescriptions in 2021 and investigate the link between stimulant prescriptions and hospitalization rates in 2021, using hospitalization as a potential indicator of adverse health outcomes.

Methods

Longitudinal and cross-sectional data from a large Swiss health care insurance were analyzed from all insureds older than 6 years. The results were extrapolated to the Swiss general population. We identified prescriptions for methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, modafinil, and sodium oxybate and calculated prevalences of each drug prescription over the period from 2014 to 2021. For 2021 we provide detailed information on the prescribers and evaluate the association of stimulant prescription and the number and duration of hospitalization using logistic regression models.

Results

We observed increasing prescription rates of all stimulants in all age groups from 2014 to 2021 (0.55% to 0.81%, 43,848 to 66,113 insureds with a prescription). In 2021, 37.1% (28,057 prescriptions) of the medications were prescribed by psychiatrists, followed by 36.1% (n=27,323) prescribed by general practitioners and 1% (n=748) by neurologists. Only sodium oxybate, which is highly specific for narcolepsy treatment, was most frequently prescribed by neurologists (27.8%, 37 prescriptions). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were common in patients receiving stimulants. Patients hospitalized in a psychiatric institution were 5.3 times (odds ratio 5.3, 95% CI 4.63‐6.08, P<.001) more likely to have a stimulant prescription than those without hospitalization. There were no significant associations between stimulant prescription and the total length of inpatient stay (odds ratio 1, 95% CI 1‐1, P=.13).

Conclusions

The prescription of stimulant medication in Switzerland increased slightly but continuously over years, but at lower rates compared to the estimated prevalence of central hypersomnolence disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders/attention deficit disorders. Most stimulants are prescribed by psychiatrists, closely followed by general practitioners. The increased odds for hospitalization to psychiatric institutions for stimulant receivers reflects the severity of disease and the higher psychiatric comorbidities in these patients.
Italian Version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (Ita-MAUQ): Translation and Validation Study in People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Podda Jessica , Grange Erica , Susini Alessia , Tacchino Andrea , Di Antonio Federica , Pedullà Ludovico , Brichetto Giampaolo , Ponzio Michela
Published: September 2024

Background

Telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) apps have emerged as powerful tools in health care, offering convenient access to services and empowering participants in managing their health. Among populations with chronic and progressive disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), mHealth apps hold promise for enhancing self-management and care. To be used in clinical practice, the validity and usability of mHealth tools should be tested. The most commonly used method for assessing the usability of electronic technologies are questionnaires.

Objective

This study aimed to translate and validate the English version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire into Italian (ita-MAUQ) in a sample of people with MS.

Methods

The 18-item mHealth App Usability Questionnaire was forward- and back-translated from English into Italian by an expert panel, following scientific guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation. The ita-MAUQ (patient version for stand-alone apps) comprises 3 subscales, which are ease of use, interface and satisfaction, and usefulness. After interacting with DIGICOG-MS (Digital Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis), a novel mHealth app for cognitive self-assessment in MS, people completed the ita-MAUQ and the System Usability Scale, included to test construct validity of the translated questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity were assessed. Known-groups validity was examined based on disability levels as indicated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and gender.

Results

In total, 116 people with MS (female n=74; mean age 47.2, SD 14 years; mean EDSS 3.32, SD 1.72) were enrolled. The ita-MAUQ demonstrated acceptable model fit, good internal consistency (Cronbach α=0.92), and moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation 0.84). Spearman coefficients revealed significant correlations between the ita-MAUQ total score; the ease of use (5 items), interface and satisfaction (7 items), and usefulness subscales; and the System Usability Scale (all P values <.05). Known-group analysis found no difference between people with MS with mild and moderate EDSS (all P values >.05), suggesting that ambulation ability, mainly detected by the EDSS, did not affect the ita-MAUQ scores. Interestingly, a statistical difference between female and male participants concerning the ease of use ita-MAUQ subscale was found (P=).

Conclusions

The ita-MAUQ demonstrated high reliability and validity and it might be used to evaluate the usability, utility, and acceptability of mHealth apps in people with MS.
AI Governance: A Challenge for Public Health
Authors: Wagner Jennifer K , Doerr Megan , Schmit Cason D
Published: September 2024

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is structuralizing social, political, and economic determinants of health into the invisible algorithms that shape all facets of modern life. Nevertheless, AI holds immense potential as a public health tool, enabling beneficial objectives such as precision public health and medicine. Developing an AI governance framework that can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of AI is a significant challenge. The benefits of public health engagement in AI governance could be extensive. Here, we describe how several public health concepts can enhance AI governance. Specifically, we explain how (1) harm reduction can provide a framework for navigating the governance debate between traditional regulation and “soft law” approaches; (2) a public health understanding of social determinants of health is crucial to optimally weigh the potential risks and benefits of AI; (3) public health ethics provides a toolset for guiding governance decisions where individual interests intersect with collective interests; and (4) a One Health approach can improve AI governance effectiveness while advancing public health outcomes. Public health theories, perspectives, and innovations could substantially enrich and improve AI governance, creating a more equitable and socially beneficial path for AI development.