bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICT Use Among Special Education Teachers in Teaching Hearing-Impaired Students: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR)
Authors: Vestly Kong Liang Soon
Published: November 2024

The study "ICT Use Among Special Education Teachers in Teaching Hearing-Impaired Students: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR)" explores the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education of hearing-impaired students by special education teachers. This review synthesizes research from the past decade, focusing on teacher attitudes, skills, and barriers in ICT implementation. Using PRISMA guidelines, 20 articles from Google Scholar and ERIC were analysed. Findings reveal that teachers generally have positive attitudes towards ICT, recognizing the benefits of visual aids and interactive content in enhancing lesson accessibility. However, significant barriers such as limited resources, insufficient training, and a lack of tailored content for hearing-impaired students were identified. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development and increased investment in ICT infrastructure and specialized educational materials. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of ICT and explore innovative technologies to support hearing-impaired students. This review provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to leverage ICT in special education, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in its effective implementation.
A Transformer-based Semantic-Aware U-Net model for Improving Endometrial Cancer Detection
Authors: Karthick Natarajan
Published: November 2024

The rise in Endometrial Cancer (EC) necessitates early diagnosis using medical imaging. Deep learning models have been developed to address misdiagnosis, but their accuracy is limited by small-scale datasets. To address this issue, a new Deep EC Prediction (DeepECP) model, combining Feature Entanglement Generative Adversarial Network (FE-GAN) and multimodal Convolutional Neural Network with Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM), has been designed to generate synthetic MRI images and detect EC stages. However, precise identification and categorization of various EC stages require the segmentation of MRI scans. While the U-Net model is frequently used for this task, it has constraints in capturing long-range relationships. Other models, like Transformers with self-attention mechanisms may not have strong low-level localization capabilities. Hence, this paper introduces a Transformer-based Semantic-Aware U-Net (TSA-UNet) model with DeepECP for segmenting and classifying EC stages in MRI scans. The TSA-UNet model combines Transformer and U-Net structures, consisting of encoder, fusion, and decoder units. The encoder is a CNN-Transformer that captures multilevel bitemporal features and encodes tokenized sequences to get high-level features. The Transformer unit uses Semantic Guidance Attention (SGA) to enhance feature discrimination and reduce semantic gaps. An Adaptive Cross-Fusion (ACF) unit merges bitemporal features, and a Cascaded Upsampling Decoder (CUD) combines low-level CNN and high-level Transformer characteristics to localize and segment EC stages in MRI scans. The segmented images are then inputted to the DeepECP model for classification. Finally, the experimental outcomes reveal that the TSA-UNet-DeepECP attains higher efficiency than conventional models for segmentation and classification of EC from MRI images.
ANÁLISE DE PARASITAS NA ÁREA DE RECREAÇÃO INFANTIL DE PARQUES MUNICIPAIS DE PORTO ALEGRE, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL
Authors: Marcos Dums  , Larissa Mendonça Soares de Gouma  , Jéssica da Luz Gross  , Daniele Chagas Ramos  , Vitor do Amaral Poletti  , Ronald Souza Rodrigues Maiato
Published: November 2024

Os parques públicos possuem um grande fluxo de indivíduos, principalmente pais que levam seus filhos para atividades de lazer, acessando em especial, a área de recreação infantil, que fica exposta a possíveis infecções parasitárias. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar e identificar se há presença de ovos e larvas de helmintos nas áreas recreativas de oito Parques Municipais de Porto Alegre/RS. As coletas foram realizadas no período de maio a junho de 2023, e posteriormente triadas e analisadas no laboratório da Biomedicina da Faculdade Uniritter/FAPA de Porto Alegre. Os métodos de análise escolhidos foram a Técnica de Hoffman (sedimentação espontânea) adaptada e a técnica de Willis (flutuação espontânea). Foram coletadas 35 amostras de areias das áreas de recreação infantil de 8 parques municipais, e destas, 100% positivaram para presença de parasitas em alguma fase de desenvolvimento. A ocorrência de ovos prevaleceu em todas as amostras. Entretanto cisto e estruturas de parasitas também estavam presentes. Foram identificados ovos de Taenia sp., ovo de Enterobius vermicularis, ovo de Toxocara sp., ovo de Ascaris lumbricoides, cisto de ameba e estruturas parasitas como Ancilostomídeo e Nematódeo.
Students’ Perspectives on the Services Offered by a Writing Center to Improve English Language Writing among Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Thamer Alamri Muhammad
Published: November 2024

The study aims to encourage universities in Saudi Arabia to develop their existing writing centers or establish a new writing center through understanding the English language writing needs of Saudi pharmaceutical university students. The study is conducted by involving a group of pharmaceutical students in a survey to highlight what they do to improve their English writing without having a writing center, which English linguistics writing issues they have, what benefits they will obtain if their English writing improves, and their expectations of writing centers. The study was administered through a survey that was distributed to male students in the second semester of the academic year 2023/2024. The survey included 23 closed ended questions, distributed to 71 participants in the survey. The results of this study show that owing to the dearth of writing centers, students find it difficult to find appropriate sources to help them with their writing. The study recommends that the writing center should be the appropriate place to accommodate the challenges the students encounter in their writing, and it emphasizes the importance of involving students in deciding upon the type of writing center consultation services that they expect to receive from a trained writing tutor who understands their specific major’s requirements. The study also shows that when using a writing center services, the participants can feel more confident to continue studying their academic major and achieve their goals due to the improvement in their English writing.
Unveiling Discriminatory Structures Against Social Minorities: An Examination of Some Governmental Structures of Discrimination and Abatement in the United States
Authors: Kleeb Courtney , Oyinlade A. Olu
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the enduring structures that sustain discrimination in the US. It analyzes historical precedents, contemporary practices, and efforts toward its elimination. It begins by exploring legislative frameworks and highlights how policies such as the War on Drugs and immigration acts have disproportionately negatively targeted marginalized populations. It discusses how administrative practices, including law enforcement tactics and implicit bias, perpetuate differentially unequal treatment of people by categories within the criminal justice system. The study discusses how judicial precedents, notably the Supreme Court decisions, have also reinforced discriminatory structures, and how interpretations of civil rights laws have shaped policies affecting marginalized populations. Despite formal structures to combat it, persistent bias, institutionalized barriers, and power dynamics perpetuate discrimination. Lastly, the study examines how efforts towards the elimination of discriminatory structures have included legislative reforms aimed at addressing systemic disparities, affirmative action programs, and diversity and inclusion policies. The understanding of the intersectionality of multiple factors of discrimination is analyzed to be crucial in understanding the complexities of discrimination, as individuals experience multiple layers of oppression based on intersecting social identities.
Exploring penetrating neck trauma zones I–III at a tertiary center: Analysis of a cohort of 50 cases
Authors: Hammadi Samah Abbas , Fayadh Noor Abbas Hummadi , Al-Anbari Abbas Jaafar Khaleel
Published: November 2024

Background: Penetrating neck injuries (PNI) pose significant clinical challenges due to the involvement of vital structures. Timely management is crucial for favorable outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, etiological factors, intervention, and outcomes of PNI in patients treated at a tertiary center in Iraq.

Methods: A retrospective and prospective study spanning three years was conducted at Al-Immamian Al-Kadhimain Hospital. Data were collected from hospital records, and patient demographics, injury details, treatment approaches, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The study included 50 patients, predominantly male (86%), with a mean age of 42.5 years, in whom gunshot wounds were the leading cause of injury (44%), followed by shrapnel. The mortality rate was 8%. While survivors had a mean hospital stay of 8 days, the stay of deceased patients was significantly shorter at 2 days. Soft tissue injuries were universal, with arterial injuries being more common in deceased patients. The common carotid artery was the most commonly injured vessel among the deceased, and ligation was the predominant surgical intervention in this group. Postoperative complications, including wound infections and neurological deficits, were notable among survivors. The associated injuries to critical anatomical regions such as the head, face, and abdomen highlighted the severity and complexity of the trauma experienced.

Conclusion: In summary, penetrating neck injuries demand prompt and comprehensive management to mitigate potential complications. By integrating evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, clinicians can improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries. The findings of this study highlight the importance of individualized care and the need for further research to enhance the understanding and treatment of penetrating neck injuries.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation under dual antiplatelet therapy, immediately after craniotomy
Authors: Shimizu Hiroshi , Fukunaga Yu , Komatsu Yumi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Imamura Tomonori , Kanai Masayuki
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often considered a relative contraindication for traumatic brain injury and cerebral hemorrhage because fatal intracranial hemorrhage can occur. Moreover, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)-related cerebral hemorrhage is associated with a high mortality rate. Herein, we report a case in which the patient was placed on ECMO under DAPT and managed without anticoagulation immediately after craniotomy.

Case Report: A 51-year-old man was hospitalized for surgery for Moyamoya disease. The surgery was performed as scheduled; however, the patient experienced cardiac arrest while awakening from anesthesia. After return of spontaneous circulation, during the emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), he was placed on ECMO for cardiac arrest which caused an electrical storm. Because computed tomography (CT) after PCI revealed a new cerebral hemorrhage, ECMO was managed with DAPT without anticoagulation. Subsequently, the CT showed no increase in hematoma; however, a thrombus was observed in the membrane of the ECMO, and ECMO was withdrawn on the 4th intensive care unit day.

Conclusion: Anticoagulation therapy with or without DAPT should not be used because of the risk of bleeding associated with veno-arterial ECMO immediately after craniotomy. Additionally, the risk of thrombosis may be high; therefore, additional care must be taken, and it is necessary to manage the ECMO circuit to consider the possibility of early replacement it too.
Role of Brand in Social Media Marketing towards Online Purchasing; A Case of Consumer Durable Products
Authors: Singhai Sankalp , Malviya Dr. Surendra , Jain Dr. Kapil
Published: November 2024

The Purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between social media marketing construct and online purchase decision of consumer durable industry. The current research determines about the brand which mediates the relationship between social media marketing constructs and purchase decision. The primary data was gathered from social media users purchasing products online in Indore. 496 valid respondents influence by social media purchasing ‘consumer durable products’ were analyzed through structural equation modeling using AMOS. The results showed that social community, social publishing, social commerce, security and convenience have positive and significant mediating impact of brand in online purchasing decision of consumer durable products Brand does not play as mediator in case of constructs like promotional usefulness and enjoyment in online purchasing of consumer durable products.
Medicago sativa, suplemento en la alimentación de pollos de engorde
Authors: Saavedra Sarmiento Heráclides Hugo , Rojas Paredes Marco Antonio , González Puetate Iván
Published: November 2024

Las ciencias agropecuarias, están encargadas de la producción proteína animal, donde deben priorizar el mejoramiento continuo del bienestar animal, calidad y cantidad de carne por animal en producción y utilidad en sistemas avícolas, en busca de alternativas para ofrecer una adecuada alimentación en pollos de engorde. En la presente investigación se suplemento con alfalfa picada (Medicago sativa) a 45 pollos machos de la línea Cobb 500 (43 g/ 1 día), dividido en tres tratamientos, tratamiento testigo sin la suplementación de alfalfa (T0), tratamiento con el 2,5% de inclusión de alfalfa (T1) y tratamiento con inclusión de 5 % de alfalfa (T2). Donde se observó que los niveles crecientes alfalfa picada (%), influyeron significativamente (p>0, 05) sobre las variables evaluadas, obteniéndose los mejores resultados con nivel de inclusión del 2,5% en cada variable.
Türkiye’de İslami Feminist Hareketin Dijital Aktivist Yansımaları: Havle Kadın Derneği ve Reçel Blog Örneği
Authors: Kökalan Çımrın Füsun , Öztürk Işık , Demir Ahmet Can
Published: November 2024

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, Türkiye’de özellikle 1990’lı yıllardan sonra etkinliğini giderek artırmakta olan İslami feminist hareketlerin dijital aktivist boyutunu Havle Kadın Derneği ve Reçel Blog üzerinden görünür kılmaktır. Araştırma, özel olarak Havle Kadın Derneği ve Reçel Blog kapsamında İslami feminist hareketlerin dijital aktivist eylem repertuvarına odaklanmaktadır. Çalışmanın uygulamalı saha araştırması kısmında dijital datalar ele alınacak olması dolaysısıyla nitel araştırma yöntemlerine bağlı kalınarak metodolojik bir çerçeve inşa edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Nitel araştırma yöntemleri içerisinde de bu araştırmanın deseni örnek olay olarak kendisine karşılık bulmuştur. Ana veri toplama tekniği ise belge ve doküman analizidir. Havle Kadın Derneği’nin web sayfası ve isntagram paylaşımları (2018-2024) ile birlikte Reçel Blog yazıları bu çalışmanın ana dokümanları arasında yer almaktadır. Araştırma kapsamına dahil edilen ve dijital olarak üretilen blog yazıları ve sosyal medya paylaşımları 2018-2024 yılları arasındaki süreci kapamaktadır. Sonuç olarak, çalışma süresince elde edilen tüm veriler ve dokümanlar Maxqda 2024 yazılımı aracılığı ile içerik analizi tekniğine bağlı kalınarak değerlendirilmiştir. İslami feminizm ve dijital aktivizm üzerine yürütülen bu çalışmanın sonucunda elde edilen bulgular, Türkiye’de İslami feminizmin dijital platformlar üzerinden kendini ifade etme ve toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliği mücadelesinde yer alma süreçlerinde hâlâ çeşitli toplumsal ve kültürel zorlukların süregeldiğini ortaya koymuştur.
Tüketim Toplumunda Tüketime Sevk Etme Araçlarından Biri Olarak Planlı Eskitme Üzerine Sosyolojik Bir Tartışma
Authors: Yanıklar Cengiz , Dinçel Yanık Güler
Published: November 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, tüketim toplumunda malların daha hızlı üretilmesi, satın alınması ve tüketilmesi anlamında hızlı bir meta döngüsünü sağlamak için kullanılan bir strateji olarak planlı eskitmenin tüketim kültüründeki yerini ve beraberinde getirdiği bazı sorunları tartışmaktır. Çalışmada ileri sürüleceği gibi planlı eskitme, yalnızca bir üretim veya pazarlama tekniği değildir. Planlı eskitme, ürün ömürlerinin kasıtlı olarak kısaltılması yoluyla tüketicileri daha sık satın almaya yönlendiren bir uygulamadır ve yenilik ile geçiciliği özendiren değerleri yerleştirerek tüketim kapitalizmini güçlendirmektedir. Bu tema çerçevesinde, ilgili sosyolojik çalışmalardaki tartışmalar dikkate alınarak çalışmada ilk olarak planlı eskitme, Fordist ve post-Fordist üretim ve tüketim tarzı ile bağlantılı olarak tartışılmakta ve mevcut çalışmalarda genellikle ihmal edilen bir konu olarak, eskitmenin hem bir piyasa stratejisi hem de kültürel bir norm olarak nasıl evrildiği ele alınmaktadır. İkinci olarak, bu çalışmada, planlı eskitmenin etkili olduğu tüketim toplumunda en önemli ilkenin, kısa süre sonra eski hale getirilmesi gereken “yeni” kavramı üzerine kurulu olduğu argümanına yer verilecektir. Bu argüman çerçevesinde, yeni olanın yüceltilmesi ve geçiciliğin ön planda olmasının, tüketicileri sürekli bir tatminsizlik duygusu içinde bıraktığı ve bu durumun tüketim kapitalizminin istikrarı ve büyümesi için özel bir önem taşıdığı vurgulanacaktır. Çalışmanın üçüncü bölümünde ise planlı eskitmenin israfı beraberinde getirdiği ve çevre sorunlarına yol açacak derecede atık oluşumuna neden olduğu belirtilmektedir. Çalışmanın sonuç bölümünde, tüketim kapitalizminin sürekli tüketim ihtiyacı ve buna bağlı çevresel sonuçlar arasındaki ikili baskıya dikkat çekilerek hızlı tüketim döngüleri yerine sürdürülebilir uygulamaların önceliklendirilmesi gerektiği önerilmektedir.
IMAGENS DA DESIGUALDADE RACIAL ENTRE SUJEITOS ESCOLARES
Authors: Bueno Roberto Eduardo , Reis Bueno Paula Alexandra
Published: November 2024

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar como os sujeitos inseridos em um universo escolar percebiam a questão da desigualdade racial em seus cotidianos. Na busca do entendimento das relações de desigualdade racial em uma realidade específica, a Escola Estadual Professora Abigail dos Santos Correa, estudantes e professores, aproximam-se de uma técnica estatística capaz de produzir imagens do referido espaço social. Após análise qualitativa de 90 entrevistas, os dados tabulados foram processados com Análise de Correspondências Múltiplas (ACM), um tipo de Análise Fatorial capaz de verificar as relações entre variáveis categorizadas.  Os resultados revelaram que a quantidade de sujeitos negros no interior da escola é muito reduzida. Mas mesmo assim, são deles, dos negros, os relatos de sofrimento por desigualdade racial. A ACM evidenciou a relação entre cor preta e os relatos de violência, opressão, calúnia e difamação. Nesta luta por um espaço social a reflexão a respeito de falta de oportunidades cede espaço ao grito pela integridade física, emocional e moral, pelo direito de ir e vir livremente.Palavras-chave: Desigualdade Social; Políticas Públicas; Educação; Análise de Correspondências Múltiplas; Determinantes Sociais da Saúde.
Developing A Green and Sustainable Future: Advancements and Integration of Renewable Energy Resources
Authors: Poorvashree K. H , Kalaivi V , Dharshan S. , Faizullah - , Kumari Kusuma , Anagha H. M , Kumar Naveen , V. Menon Soumya
Published: November 2024

The global energy sector is now undergoing a major transformation towards sustainability. Despite efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy (RE), fossil fuels remained dominant in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, fossil fuels accounted for approximately 63.5% of global power generation, while renewable sources, including hydropower, made up around 29%. By 2023, the share of fossil fuels slightly decreased to 62%, with renewables increasing to 30%. The broad use of RE sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and other technologies underscore this transition. Sunlight, a steady energy source, is critical to satisfying the world’s ever-increasing energy needs. This thorough analysis investigates the technical breakthroughs in these RE sources as well as their critical significance as environmentally beneficial alternatives to traditional energy sources. It also dives into the symbiotic link between smart technology and RE, demonstrating how innovation is altering energy generation, distribution, and consumption. Aside from technology, the article assesses the far-reaching socioeconomic consequences, such as major job creation, economic growth, and equal energy access. In conclusion, this study provides vital insights into the diverse road towards a sustainable energy future, emphasizing its importance in reducing climate change and building a cleaner, more sustainable energy environment.
Ordine pubblico ideale e materiale: quale libertà religiosa?
Authors: Marchei Natascia
Published: November 2024

Ideal and material public order: what religious freedom?
ABSTRACT: The limits to the right to religious freedom, both implicit and explicit, have undergone numerous transformations over time. This evolution reflects the changing significance attributed, over the years, to the various interests underlying these restrictions. The concept of ideal public order, safeguarded by the Fascist legislature, contrasts sharply with the material public order, which is the focus of certain criminal provisions. The latter aligns closely with the notion of security, identified in some constitutional norms as a limitation on freedom. In delineating the boundaries of these limits, particular attention must be paid to evaluating the threshold at which the legal system intervenes restrictively. Premature restrictions risk reverting to an idealized interpretation of public order as a constraint on individual freedom.
SOMMARIO: 1. Introduzione: i limiti al diritto di libertà religiosa nei lavori preparatori alla Carta costituzionale - 2. Dall’ordine pubblico ideale all’ordine pubblico materiale: il nodo della soglia di intervento dello Stato - 3. Brevi conclusioni: la richiesta di specifici elementi da cui evincere la necessità della tutela (nella giurisprudenza della CEDU).
Gli enti canonici nell’ordinamento secolare
Authors: Varalda Cesare Edoardo
Published: November 2024

Canonical bodies in secular system
ABSTRACT: This paper considers the different configurations that religious bodies, especially the entities of the Catholic Church, can assume within the civil systems. The extent of the welcoming capacity that States have towards canonical bodies represents a sure indication of the capacity of a juridical order to protect religious freedom and, more generally, the fundamental rights of the person.
SOMMARIO: 1. Premessa - 2. Enti canonici e ordinamenti civili - 3. Disciplina canonica e pattizia - 3.1. Il codice del 1983 - 3.2. Il Codice Orientale - 3.3. Concordati e accordi con gli Stati - 4. Rapporti tra persone giuridiche canoniche e civili - 4.1. Il caso delle fondazioni civili - 4.2. La creazione di nuove persone giuridiche civili - 5. L’ente ecclesiastico civilmente riconosciuto in Italia - 5.1. Una soluzione “originale” - 5.2. La rilevanza civile dei controlli canonici - 5.3. Un modello “perfetto”? - 6. Conclusioni.
The Honeycomb and the SME: Facilitating Growth Through Social Media in a High Technology Enterprise
Authors: Ardley Barry , Hardwick Jialin
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a SME owner manager utilised the LinkedIn social media platform to create strategic growth for a new high technology firm in the business-to-business market. The primary research draws on a series of in-depth phenomenological interviews carried out with the owner manager. Findings, when viewed in the context of the owner managers local logic of action and the related opportunity focus, indicate that LinkedIn can provide a valuable conduit for the development of strategic growth opportunities in an SME. Interview analysis details a series of successful routes to growth that could provide the basis for analysis and action for similar firms, in similar situations. In terms of originality, the social media honeycomb construct is deployed as a theoretical and practical device, through which to structure and explore key issues. These include the importance of individual subjectivity in strategy making, a firm’s use of resources, and its growth in terms of the adoption and use of social media, in a dynamic product and market setting. Findings will be of value to other researchers interested in the areas of SME strategy, social media and the use of phenomenology as a research tool.
Deciphering avian emotions: A novel AI and machine learning approach to understanding chicken vocalizations
Authors: Cheok Adrian David , Cai Jun , Yan Ying
Published: November 2024

In this groundbreaking study, we present a novel approach to interspecies communication, focusing on the understanding of chicken vocalizations. Leveraging advanced mathematical models in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we have developed a system capable of interpreting various emotional states in chickens, including hunger, fear, anger, contentment, excitement, and distress. Our methodology employs a cutting-edge AI technique we call Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL), a highly mathematical and innovative approach that allows for the nuanced understanding of emotional states through auditory data. DEAL is rooted in complex mathematical algorithms, enabling the system to learn and adapt to new vocal patterns over time. We conducted our study with a sample of 80 chickens, meticulously recording and analyzing their vocalizations under various conditions. To ensure the accuracy of our system’s interpretations, we collaborated with a team of eight animal psychologists and veterinary surgeons, who provided expert insights into the emotional states of the chickens. Our system demonstrated an impressive accuracy rate of close to 80%, marking a significant advancement in the field of animal communication. This research not only opens up new avenues for understanding and improving animal welfare but also sets a precedent for further studies in AI-driven interspecies communication. The novelty of our approach lies in its application of sophisticated AI techniques to a largely unexplored area of study. By bridging the gap between human and animal communication, we believe our research will pave the way for more empathetic and effective interactions with the animal kingdom.
Current practice in ultrasound grading of carotid artery stenosis in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Trochowski S , Akhtar A , Bond K , Corby A , Hiscocks C , Howard D , Potter R , Rothwell P , Waldegrave E , Llwyd O
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Ultrasound is usually the first-line imaging modality in the UK and Ireland for evaluating the severity of carotid artery disease. The last UK and Ireland audit on grading of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis with ultrasound was reported in 2006 whilst UK recommendations were published in 2009. This audit aims to summarise current practices.

Methods: Seventy-two UK hospital trusts and eight within Ireland that perform carotid surgery were identified. One vascular unit from each trust (n=80) was invited to complete an online questionnaire based on their current carotid ultrasound assessments including velocity thresholds (peak systolic velocity (PSV); end diastolic velocity (EDV)) and PSV ratios (PSV in the ICA:PSV in the common carotid artery (CCA)) used to grade a stenosis, the use of St Mary’s ratio (PSV in the ICA:EDV in the CCA) and the criteria prioritised to grade a stenosis.

Results: The questionnaire was answered by 58% (46/80) of vascular units. 70% of respondents reported using the 2009 UK recommendations, with 22% reported using a subset. To grade moderate disease (>50% stenosis), 81% use a PSV of >125 cm.s-1, only 36% use EDV and 71% use a velocity ratio of >2.0–4.0. To grade severe disease (>70% stenosis), 90% use a PSV of >230 cm.s-1, 43% use EDV and 86% use a velocity ratio of >4.0. Whilst the majority (78%) of units use the St Mary’s ratio to grade in deciles, there was more variation in the number of PSV and EDV thresholds used by different centres to grade severe stenosis. There was a combined total of 13 distinct (PSV, EDV and ratios) thresholds being used to grade >80% stenosis. The criteria prioritised to grade a stenosis and how near occlusion was defined on duplex imaging was variable, and there were inconsistent practices on internal audits and quality assurance.

Conclusion: The 2009 recommendations have standardised key practices in grading moderate and severe disease with PSV, velocity ratios and in the use of the St Mary’s ratio to grade in deciles. However, vascular units vary in the application of these recommendations and the use of indices not included in the guidelines.
Fostering Mobile Field Hospitals Collaboration During Disaster Response for Seamless Continuity of Care: A Mini Review
Authors: Lawan Mohammed Isa , Nimisingha Jacob Amakama , Dusserre Gilles , Petrica Alina , Vechot Luc , Danladi Ayuba Job , Thawbaan Adam , Yusuf Muritala Kolade
Published: November 2024

When mobile field hospitals are deployed in response to a disaster, they may sometimes face unprecedented challenges that require collaboration either with other mobile field hospitals or with existing regional hospitals to maintain continuity of care for the impacted populations. This article explores the pivotal role of enhancing healthcare team collaboration to ensure seamless care continuity during disaster response in an austere disaster-stricken environment. To improve patient outcomes during disasters, this study aims to investigate the barriers to care continuity in disaster response and highlight frameworks that can enhance healthcare team collaboration during sudden onset of disasters. Several bibliographical databases, including Pub Med, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized. Articles examined from the databases were focused on state-of-the-art healthcare collaboration frameworks. To shed light on the difficulties and the necessity of implementing a collaborative healthcare disaster response framework, a case study of an American mobile field hospital deployed during the 2010 Haiti earthquake was examined. The literature review highlighted several factors that are responsible for lack of coordination during disaster response especially in an austere setting like Haiti. The review further highlights some frameworks that have the potential to improve care continuity in such an environment. In the event of a disaster, especially in austere settings like Haiti where the usual coordination mechanisms with regional or local government is difficult, deployed mobile hospitals must find alternative frameworks to enable them to work in tandem among themselves and with the local hospitals to improve the affected population’s continuity of care. The five frameworks highlighted have the potential to facilitate care coordination and hence continuity of care in such settings.
English Reading Skills of Bangladeshi HSC Applicants: Comprehensive Test Items in the Syllabus
Authors: Rana Md. Nahid , Rana Md. Sohel
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the English reading skills of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) applicants in relation to the HSC syllabus. By analyzing performance data from a sample of students across various educational institutions, the research aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and analytical skills. A mixed-methods approach combines quantitative assessments, including standardized reading tests, with qualitative surveys to gather student and educator insights. Findings indicate that while many applicants demonstrate adequate reading skills, significant gaps exist in critical analysis and contextual understanding. These results underscore the need for enhanced instructional strategies and resources aligned with the HSC syllabus to better prepare students for academic and professional success. The study concludes with recommendations for curriculum improvement and targeted interventions to support reading skill development among HSC applicants.
Supreme Court Reverses First Belgian Set Aside Decision of an Investment Treaty Arbitral Award Confirmation of (Belgian) international public policy test
Authors: Eyskens Werner
Published: November 2024

In a 2022 decision, the Brussels first instance court set aside an UNCITRAL award ordering Poland to pay damages to an investor. The first instance court decided that the arbitral tribunal had wrongly held that the investor’s due process rights had been violated by the Polish courts. The first instance court viewed this to be a breach of Belgium’s international public policy rules. In 2024, the Belgian Supreme Court reversed this set aside decision. The Supreme Court specified that an award can only be set aside if the effect of the award violates the international public policy rules, without re-assessing the merits of the dispute that was resolved by the award.
The constitutional core of the Union: On the CJEU’s new, principled constitutionalism
Authors: Bast Jürgen , von Bogdandy Armin
Published: November 2024

For a decade now, the CJEU has been complementing and indeed overwriting its long-standing functionalist approach to constitutionalism. Anew, a principled constitutionalism is emerging that draws from the first 19 articles of the EU Treaties and activates the potential of its constitutional core. Some consider this path a problematic example of judicial self-empowerment. By contrast, the article demonstrates that the CJEU’s new constitutionalism operationalizes two understudied choices of the LisbonTreaty. The authors of theTreaties gave Articles 1 to 19TEU a foundational role as the basic part of theTreaties, and toArticles 1, 2 and 3(1)TEU even that of a constitutional core. These choices suggest, indeed require, a principled interpretation to implement the new order of the Treaties and call for an engaged and proactive legal community to safeguard and develop the Union’s constitutional identity.
What legal basis for an EU tax?
Authors: Caziero Martha
Published: November 2024

Article 311 TFEU is a correct legal basis for the introduction and design of an EU tax, due to the historical and teleological meaning of “own resources”, the capability of decisions to have normative content and the scope of its wording.However, when an EU tax has the dual goal of raising revenues for the EU budget and harmonizing the domestic tax systems of the Member States, there is a need for a supporting legal basis.
New Legal Forms and Rules for Italian Innovative Enterprises
Authors: Agstner Peter
Published: November 2024

Innovative startups, conventionally defined as rapid-growth firms with outside investors and an IPO or trade sale as exit event, have been a major force in commercializing innovative science and revolutionizing the world we live in. In order to create a more favorable legal environment for innovative startups, some legislators have adopted targeted policy interventions. In this regulatory competition, broadly speaking, Italy stands out, being the first European country to have introduced tailor-made rules for innovative startups. This result was achieved not by introducing a new corporate form, but by turning the traditional limited liability company, called società a responsabilità limitata (SRL), on its head. With a special regulation implemented during the years from 2012 to 2017 and placed outside the Civil Code, the Italian lawmaker introduced disruptive innovations in the field of company law, allowed digital incorporation and envisaged a series of tax and labor law benefits, as well as a privileged treatment in the case of insolvency. The end result is what important scholars call a phenomenon of hybridization of company types.
Yo-Yo Back and Forth: Controversies in Ecthr’s Whistleblower Judgments
Authors: Dalkilic Elvin Evrim
Published: November 2024

This article underscores the critical need for robust legal protections for whistleblowers in Europe while critiquing the inconsistencies observed in the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The Court established six criteria in the Guja judgment to evaluate interferences in whistleblowing cases. Among these, the criteria concerning the authenticity of the information disclosed by the whistleblower and their good faith in the Court’s assessment appear to be particularly problematic. The Court’s fluctuating application of these criteria undermines the development of a coherent judicial approach. Ensuring consistency in its rulings is crucial for the Court to avoid creating a chilling effect on prospective whistleblowers.
Implementing Sustainability Provisions in the EU’s New Generation Free Trade Agreements: How Much Can Weak Commitments Do?
Authors: Vu Kim-Ngan , Dinh Khuong-Duy
Published: November 2024

The European Union has been one of the most active players in negotiating and concluding free trade agreements with an extensive network of trade partners from all continents. Whether partnering with developed or developing economies, the EU has been consistent in ‘exporting’ its non-trade values – such as sustainable development, good governance, and human rights – to its trading partners through FTAs. Using examples of the EU’s new generation of FTAs, we explain that even if the EU is ambitious in exporting a wide range of non-trade values, these provisions are mostly hortatory in nature, and thus effectively leave implementation to parties’ goodwill because the sanctioning mechanisms are not always provided. However, evidence from some of the EU’s FTAs shows that, despite the soft nature, sustainability commitments have been taken seriously in some cases in the implementation process.
Customs Penalties in the EU and Ukraine: Harmonizing the Unharmonized
Authors: Kyryievskyi Oleg
Published: November 2024

This paper is an international law research on (1) the challenges of customs offenses harmonization in the EU, (2) an approximation of Ukraine’s (or other candidate country’s) legislation with the EU customs acquis. The research aims to (a) clarify the situation in the field of customs offenses, (b) analyse previous harmonization efforts, (c) find common denominators, and (d) synthesize the recommendations on how Ukraine shall act to harmonize with the EU customs acquis in the relevant field. At least two successful cases of harmonization are analysed, and conclusions are highlighted. A particular analysis is provided on the impossibility of abrupt alignment or using any EU country as a role model. The article offers an alternative – a gradual approximation by exchanging best practices. The research also emphasizes the importance of the procedural factors in the harmonization process. The article also defines additional possible sources of best practices such as (1) effectiveness, proportionality, and dissuasiveness through the prism of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) interpretations and (2) European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law.
Impact on Remedies of the Use of Corporate Governance Norms to Address Forced Labour
Authors: Martin Isabelle , Falardeau- Papineau Julie
Published: November 2024

Forced labour, a pervasive issue within transnational production networks (TPNs), has been the subject of regulatory responses primarily centred around the use of corporate governance norms. These norms, whether through disclosure or due diligence laws, or in some common law countries, litigation seeking judicial recognition of a common law duty of care, are the sole legal mechanisms linking lead corporations to the working conditions in their TPNs. This article critically evaluates the potential of these corporate governance norms to provide effective remedies to forced labour workers, a topic of significant importance as it recognizes their agency rather than portraying them as passive victims.To this end, this article will appraise two legislative models, one implementing disclosure and the other due diligence, while examining the duty of care jurisprudential model, from the procedural and substantive criteria of effective remedies: the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (CTSCA) disclosure regulation, the French vigilance law, and the Canadian common law duty of care. The analysis underlines a few, primarily procedural, improvements generated by disclosure and due diligence legislation, as well as the common law duty of care toward more effective remedies. These corporate governance norms increase available information and foster accessibility to some extent. However, substantive improvements brought by corporate governance norms are either constrained (France), hypothetical (Canada) or non-existent (California). Moreover, the corporate governance norms examined fail to provide effective judicial remedies for forced labour victims and may undermine potential lawsuits by providing corporations with a defence. We conclude with a discussion of the newly adopted German and Canadian laws.
Challenges of Direct Discrimination in Algorithmic Recruitment: Insuperable or Not?*
Authors: Parviainen Henni
Published: November 2024

Although the EU prohibition of direct and indirect discrimination under non-discrimination law theoretically applies to algorithmic recruitment, doubts exist about whether the prohibition can tackle algorithmic recruitment discrimination in practical terms. This article examines two significant obstacles to dealing with direct discrimination identified in prior research: ambiguity in determining whether proxy discrimination constitutes direct discrimination, and the incapacity of job applicants to meet the burden of proof. First, the analysis of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) case law suggests that the inextricable link doctrine could apply to proxies used by algorithmic recruitment systems, assuming that the proxies are comprehensible and detectable. In cases in which the proxies remain unintelligible or invisible, it might still be possible to show that the protected ground determined the decision to impose less favourable treatment. Thus, proxy discrimination in algorithmic systems could constitute direct discrimination. Moreover, the direct discrimination prohibition could deal with more proxy discrimination cases if the applicability of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) is acknowledged when an EU Regulation directly applies to algorithmic recruitment. Second, the research discloses that the burden of proof could be interpreted in a way which allows applicants to establish prima facie cases of algorithmic recruitment discrimination even if they lack access to detailed information about the workings of the algorithmic recruitment system. The challenges of direct discrimination in algorithmic recruitment might not be insuperable, and the prohibition of direct discrimination should not be sidestepped when analysing the discriminatory tendencies of algorithmic recruitment.
Transformative Constitutionalism and Labour Rights in Latin America´s 4.0 Revolution
Authors: Gutiérrez Silva Rodolfo
Published: November 2024

This article explores how Transformative Constitutionalism influences the protection of labour rights amidst the challenges of the 4.0 Revolution in Latin America. Through a qualitative analysis of literature, legislation, and jurisprudence, the study evaluates the evolution of labour law in the face of digitalization and automation. Thematic analysis reveals significant developments in adapting labour rights to emerging situations such as teleworking and digital platforms. A jurisprudential analysis of nine landmark cases from Latin American courts highlights how the judiciary, guided by Transformative Constitutionalism, interprets and applies labour law to affirm basic rights in non-traditional work contexts. In cases involving digital platforms in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, the courts have recognized employment relationships and granted labour protections to workers initially classified as independent contractors. The courts in Colombia and Chile have also expanded labour rights to include reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities through telework, while recognizing the right to digital disconnection as a fundamental right. However, challenges persist in effectively safeguarding workers in the digital economy, as the courts may face constraints in responding to the full scope of changes in the world of work. The article emphasizes the judiciary’s crucial role in recalibrating legal frameworks to ensure social and labour justice in an increasingly technological environment. The continued evolution of national jurisprudence and legislation, informed by Transformative Constitutionalism, is vital to keep labour rights at the centre of development.
Decent Work, Meaningful Education or Potential Exploitation? The Role of Universities in Ensuring the Quality of Academic Internships in Australia, Finland and France
Authors: Hewitt Anne , BO Damien , Rosin Annika
Published: November 2024

Academic internships have become a well-entrenched feature of the tertiary education landscape and are perceived to facilitate the transition into graduate employment. However, such experiences straddle the worlds of work and education, which begs the questions: should they be regulated as work, or learning, or through specific regulation and what role should universities have? This paper examines the educational and labour regulation applicable to academic internships in Australia, Finland and France and presents qualitative empirical insights examining how university staff in each jurisdiction manage academic internships in the context of local labour laws and educational regulations. It is concluded that national regulations in France regulate academic internships so as to achieve ‘meaningful education’ for participants, while in Finland the regulatory approach appears to be tailored to ensuring academic interns are engaged in ‘decent work’. In contrast, Australia’s current regulatory context appears inadequate to consistently ensure either of these outcomes, leaving academic interns at increased risk of having neither a meaningful educational experience, nor decent work, and being exploited. Universities in Australia and Finland have an increased role in guaranteeing quality internships. However, the preliminary empirical data suggests that this role may not be consistently fulfilled.
Multidimensional Applications of Remote Sensing Technology in Land Use Monitoring and Efficacy Analysis
Authors: Sun Zenghui , Zhang Ruiqing
Published: November 2024

This article delves into the multidimensional applications of remote sensing technology in land use monitoring and its efficacy. It begins by emphasizing the importance of land resources and the pivotal role of remote sensing technology in monitoring land cover and land use changes. The article then analyzes the application of multi-source remote sensing data, including satellite and aerial remote sensing data, and their use in monitoring at different temporal and spatial scales. The article also examines the accuracy assessment of remote sensing monitoring, factors affecting efficacy, and cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, it explores the synergistic application of remote sensing technology with GIS and GPS, and summarizes the research findings. Finally, the article points out the deficiencies and limitations of the study and proposes future development trends and research directions.