bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnant women autonomy when choosing their method of childbirth: Scoping review
Authors: Mascarenhas Silva Carlos Henrique , Laranjeira Cláudia Lourdes Soares , Pinheiro Wallisson Fonseca , de Melo Carolina Soares Barros , Campos e Silva Vitor de Oliveira , Brandão Augusto Henrique Fulgêncio , Rego Francisca , Nunes Rui
Published: July 2024

This paper has as its theme the autonomy of pregnant women in relation to choosing the method of birth for their child. The objective was to carry out a scoping review to study the literature and evidence of how autonomy is being offered to parturient women. Study design and location: In October 2023, a search was carried out using the terms "pregnant women" AND "delivery" AND "autonomy" in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo and LILACS. The search included articles from 2016 to 2023. Of the 179 articles found, 15 met the criteria and were selected for this review. Results: the pregnant woman’s autonomy in choosing the method of childbirth is influenced by several factors, such as the obstetrician’s recommendation, the medical team, and negative and positive experiences. Thus, when this autonomy is shared with the obstetrician, the obstetrician recommends cesarean section as the safest route, but does not explain the benefits and harms of both routes (vaginal and cesarean section), causing the woman to accept the cesarean section. Midwives recommend vaginal birth because they believe it to be natural and safe and explain the benefits and harms of both methods, respecting the pregnant woman’s choice of the method she prefers. Conclusion: women have the fundamental right to choose their method of birth and must be properly guided throughout prenatal care, whether by an obstetrician or a midwife, about the options, risks and benefits of each method of childbirth, respecting the ethical principle of beneficence.
Barriers and facilitators for adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and strategies to address the barriers in key populations, Mumbai–A qualitative study
Authors: Acharya Shrikala , Parthasarathy Mugundu Ramien , Karanjkar Vijaykumar , Katkar Sachendra , Setia Maninder Singh
Published: July 2024

Background

Even though quantitative studies have described barriers to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), a more exploratory approach will provide in-depth information on these issues, and potential suggestions to address these issues at individual as well as structural level. We designed this qualitative study to examine the barriers and facilitators for antiretroviral therapy adherence in key population (KP) in Mumbai, India. We also wanted to understand the strategies adopted by these groups and get suggestions to improve adherence to ART.

Methods

This is a qualitative analysis of seven focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with four KP subgroups in Mumbai. We conducted two FGDs each with female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), male-to-female transgendered people/Hijras (TGH) each, and one FGD with people who inject drugs (IDU). We transcribed the audio-recorded electronic records of these FGDs. We also added the notes of the observers on the group dynamics to the transcribed data. We used the Framework Approach to analyse these data.

Results

Some experiences–such as side effects to ART medicines–were common across groups. However, incarceration as a reason for stopping ART was reported by FSWs but not by other KPs. Friends and family (including Guru) are important support systems for HIV infected individuals and adherence to ART. Stigma and discrimination by community members and general community prevent regular access of ART centres and other health care facilities. Additional factors which led to missed doses were mental health issues, alcohol use, and misplacing the ART tablets during police raids or during robbery attempts at the cruising sites. Since a common source of discrimination among peers and the community was the presence of ‘Green book’ (or their treatment book); the key population wanted the AIDS program to change it to digital cards so that labelling one as ‘HIV positive’ for being seen with the book can be avoided.

Conclusions

The qualitative study helped us explore the barriers to ART among key population and the community provided specific suggestions to address them. In addition to Key Population centric enhanced adherence counselling, some administrative guidelines and procedures may need to be altered to improve adherence to ART in these populations.
Patient perspectives on cancer care during COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Chen Krista Y. , Stanford Olivia , Wenzel Jennifer A. , Joyner Robert L. , Dobs Adrian S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to cancer-related care as health systems balanced competing risks of timely delivery of care and minimizing exposure to infection in a high-risk, immunocompromised patient population. This study aimed to better understand how pandemic-related factors affected the patient experience of cancer care during this time.

Methods

We conducted fifteen semi-structured interviews with adults from rural counties in Maryland who were diagnosed with and/or actively treated for cancer at the TidalHealth healthcare network between January 2020 and October 2022.

Results

Interviews from fifteen participants were analyzed. Two major themes emerged including COVID Impact on Care, and COVID Impact on Mental Health. Subthemes under COVID Impact on Care include Staffing Shortages, Hospital Regulations, Visitation, Importance of Advocacy, and Telehealth Utilization, and subthemes under COVID Impact on Mental Health include Loneliness, Support Networks, and Perceptions of COVID and Personal Protection. Overall, participants described positive care experiences despite notable delays, disruptions to continuity of care, difficult transitions to telemedicine, visitation policies that limited patient support, increased mental health struggles related to social distancing measures, and greater desire for patient advocacy.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiences of cancer treatment and survivorship in a more vulnerable, rural patient population with lower healthcare access and income level. Our findings suggest areas for targeted interventions to limit disruptions to quality care in future public health emergencies.
CANDy: Automated analysis of domain architectures in carbohydrate-active enzymes
Authors: Windels Alex , Franceus Jorick , Pleiss Jürgen , Desmet Tom
Published: July 2024

Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) can be found in all domains of life and play a crucial role in metabolic and physiological processes. CAZymes often possess a modular structure, comprising not only catalytic domains but also associated domains such as carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) and linker domains. By exploring the modular diversity of CAZy families, catalysts with novel properties can be discovered and further insight in their biological functions and evolutionary relationships can be obtained. Here we present the carbohydrate-active enzyme domain analysis tool (CANDy), an assembly of several novel scripts, tools and databases that allows users to analyze the domain architecture of all protein sequences in a given CAZy family. CANDy’s usability is shown on glycoside hydrolase family 48, a small yet underexplored family containing multi-domain enzymes. Our analysis reveals the existence of 35 distinct domain assemblies, including eight known architectures, with the remaining assemblies awaiting characterization. Moreover, we substantiate the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer from prokaryotes to insect orthologs and provide evidence for the subsequent removal of auxiliary domains, likely through a gene fission event. CANDy is available at https://github.com/PyEED/CANDy.
Molecular prevalence, associated risk factors and phylogenetic evaluation of Theileria lestoquardi in the blood samples of small ruminants
Authors: Ashraf Sehrish , Hikal Wafaa M. , Almahallawi Ruoa , Muqaddas Hira , Iqbal Furhan
Published: July 2024

Raising small ruminants is the main source of income for farmers in Pakistan especially in rural areas of Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab. Despite having large sheep population, the prevalence of intra-erythrocytic protozoa, Theileria (T.) lestoquardi, has never been reported from this area. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap and 333 blood samples of apparently healthy small ruminants (168 sheep and 165 goats) along with their epidemiological data were collected from Dera Ghazi Khan district during August till November 2022. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis amplified a 785 base pair amplicon specific for the Merozoite surface antigen (ms 1–2) gene of T. lestoquardi in 2 out of the 168 (3.3%) sheep blood samples, while no goat blood sample out of 165 was found to be infected with T. lestoquardi. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Theileria lestoquardi in both samples and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these amplicon resembled the partial ms 1–2 gene sequences detected in small ruminants from Pakistan, India Iran and Egypt. All the studied epidemiological factors (age, sex, breed, size of herd, dogs with herd, composition of herd, size of herd and Tick burden on sheep) were not found associated with the prevalence of T. lestoquardi. In conclusion, this study reports a low prevalence of T. lestoquardi infection in the Dera Ghazi Khan District of Punjab, Pakistan. The data generated from this work will help pave the way for the prophylactic detection and control of ovine and caprine theileriosis in the region.
Epidemiology of injuries among snowboarding athletes in the talent transfer program: A prospective cohort study of 39,880 athlete-exposures
Authors: Gao Feng , Li Haiwei , He Chen , Qian Yi , Guo Sen , Zhao Zhihong , Gong Yawei , Zhao Yingqi , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Lei , Zhou Jingbin
Published: July 2024

Background

Talent transfer (TT) program is an appropriate approach to address the talent gap evident in specific sports activities, while little is known about the injury characteristics of snowboarding athletes involved in the TT program.

Objective

To determine the epidemiology of injuries among snowboarders involved in the TT program.

Methods

A total of 244 athletes who were not previously engaged in winter sports were selected for training in snowboarding that lasted for 109 days. The injuries and at-risk exposures (A-Es) data were recorded by physicians. Injury rates (IRs), incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were calculated and compared by sex and age groups.

Results

The overall and time loss (TL) IR were 32.4/1000 A-Es and 12.2/1000 A-Es respectively. The overall and non-time loss (NTL) IRR were higher for female athletes than for male athletes. Additionally, the overall IRR and TL-IRR for female athletes were higher in those athletes who aged ≤15 years old. Over 93% of TL injuries resulted in participation restriction time of ≤7 days (male athletes, 93.94%; female athletes, 94.10%). Trunk (28.43%), knee joints (21.33%), and hand/wrist (16.53%) were found as the common sites of injury in both female and male athletes. The most frequent type of injury was contusion (male athletes: 53.00%, female athletes: 59.10%) resulted from ground/apparatus contact (male athletes: 75.10%, female athletes: 75.20%).

Conclusion

The risk injury among snowboarding athletes involved in the TT program during the first snow season training was found noticeable, especially for younger female athletes. The high incidence of ground/apparatus contact-related injuries suggested the necessity of specifically designed training programs and braces for snowboarding athletes involved in the TT program.
Students’ perceptions of and satisfaction with their Orthopaedic posting learning environment by using the Healthcare Education Micro-Learning Environment Measure (HEMLEM) questionnaire
Authors: Azim Syeda Rubaba , Azfar Syed Muhammad , Baig Mukhtiar
Published: July 2024

Background

The learning environment in medical education is crucial for student development, encompassing social, psychological, and physical aspects that significantly affect learning. This study aimed to assess undergraduate medical students’ perception of the orthopaedic ward’s learning environment and examine the factors influencing their overall satisfaction during clinical rotation.

Methods

This cross sectional quantitative study was conducted in a private medical college in Pakistan. Data was collected through a pre-validated questionnaire, "The Healthcare Education Micro-Learning Environment Measure (HEMLEM)." Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23 software.

Results

A total of 205/300 students (response rate 68.33%) [103 (50.2%) males and 102(49.85) females] participated in this survey. Notably, 116 (56.6%) appreciated the ward’s welcoming, friendly, and open atmosphere, and 114(55.6%) of the respondents appreciated the ward culture where they felt free to ask questions or comment. Additionally, 111(54.7%) appreciated the faculty’s enthusiasm for teaching. A comparison between male and female students showed significantly higher satisfaction among males regarding staff attitudes and behaviours (p < .019).

Conclusion

Undergraduate students held a predominantly positive view of the orthopaedic ward’s learning environment, with differences observed based on gender and year of study. The study highlights the importance of both staff attitude and teaching quality in shaping the educational experience. It suggests that medical institutions should focus on enhancing teaching skills among clinicians to improve learning experiences and ultimately benefit patient care and the healthcare system.
Evaluating classification tools for the prediction of in-vitro microbial pyruvate yield from organic carbon sources
Authors: Pant Manish , Pant Tanuja
Published: July 2024

The laboratory-scale (in-vitro) microbial fermentation based on screening of process parameters (factors) and statistical validation of parameters (responses) using regression analysis. The recent trends have shifted from full factorial design towards more complex response surface methodology designs such as Box-Behnken design, Central Composite design. Apart from the optimisation methodologies, the listed designs are not flexible enough in deducing properties of parameters in terms of class variables. Machine learning algorithms have unique visualisations for the dataset presented with appropriate learning algorithms. The classification algorithms cannot be applied on all datasets and selection of classifier is essential in this regard. To resolve this issue, factor-response relationship needs to be evaluated as dataset and subsequent preprocessing could lead to appropriate results. The aim of the current study was to investigate the data-mining accuracy on the dataset developed using in-vitro pyruvate production using organic sources for the first time. The attributes were subjected to comparative classification on various classifiers and based on accuracy, multilayer perceptron (neural network algorithm) was selected as classifier. As per the results, the model showed significant results for prediction of classes and a good fit. The learning curve developed also showed the datasets converging and were linearly separable.
The Concierge Catch: Better Access for a Few Patients Disrupts Care for Many
Authors: Rossheim John
Published: July 2024

With the national shortage of primary care physicians reaching 17,637 in 2023 and projected to worsen, more Americans are paying for the privilege of seeing a doctor — on top of insurance premiums that cover most services a doctor might provide or order. Many people seeking a new doctor are calling a long list of primary care practices only to be told they’re not taking new patients.
Informális foglalkoztatás és rabszolgamunka
Authors: Fernandez Saralegui Clara
Published: July 2024

Latin-Amerikában a járvány utáni regionális foglalkoztatottsági ráta a fellendülés jeleit mutatja, azonban a helyzet továbbra is bonyolult, a régióban ez a mutató még most is alacsonyabb, mint 2019-ben volt. A foglalkoztatottság különbsége azonban nem feltétlenül jelenti az informális foglalkoztatás növekedésének hiányát; valójában az informális munka továbbra is elterjedt a régióban, országonként eltérő mértékben.
Cities and the Demo-Climatic Transition in Brazil
Authors: Barbieri Alisson Flávio
Published: July 2024

The article discusses the challenges for planning and public policies in terms of adapting Brazilian cities to the future dynamics of climate transition and population transitions (demographic, epidemiologic, urban and mobility). The recursive relationship between such transitions will be decisive in defining how Urban Socio-environmental Systems, which include their populations in different sizes, densities, intraurban distributions and compositions, and the environmental, socioeconomic, morphological and functional characteristics of the cities, will have to adapt in the coming decades. The article initially discusses the characteristics of the population and climate transitions, their relationship with the modernization process, and the challenges that they represent to the adaptation of Urban Socio-environmental Systems. Next, the concept of Demo-climatic Transition is discussed as the recognition of the endogenous nature of the relationship between population transitions and global environmental changes, specifically climate change. Finally, a conceptual model for adapting Urban Socio-environmental Systems to the challenges of the Demo-climatic Transition is proposed, having as its axis the increases in urban adaptive capacity and resilience, and the construction of planning capacity and public policies in the short, medium and long term. In this context, planning, as the bridge between Policy and scientific knowledge in addition to local traditional knowledge, is a key instrument to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of Urban Socio-environmental Systems as a response to the climate emergency.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Land Use in Mato Grosso do Sul from 1988 to 2018 and Payments for Ecosystem Services
Authors: Farinha Maycon Jorge Ulisses Saraiva , Berezuk André Geraldo , Bernardo Luciana Virginia Mario , Soares Filho Adelsom
Published: July 2024

Human actions in nature are ancient relationships that allow, among some characteristics, changes in land use. One possibility for studying these changes is the classification of their uses and their transformations over the years to make it possible to understand the relationship between people and nature in a given location. In this context, this research addressed the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, with the objective of investigating the dynamics and temporal space of land use in its mesoregions, and the implementation of public and private actions of environmental policies developed in the municipalities, aiming at the scope of ecosystem services. For this, the Shift-Share model was used to identify changes in land use from 1988 to 2018, and the data were extracted from MapBiomas. Furthermore, based on the recommendations of the Forest Code for the conservation of rural property areas and the creation of Conservation Units, the Value of Conservation via Public Policies per municipality in the state was estimated. During the analysis period, it can be seen that, between 1988 and 2018, changes in land use occurred in all mesoregions of the state. Each mesoregion has unique characteristics for replacing land use; however, in general, it can be seen that natural vegetation has lost area for other uses, with the main destination being agricultural use. It was also observed how public environmental policies have helped conserve areas in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Enhancing Early Literacy: The Impact of the Hubbul Ilmii Book on Reading Skills in Malaysian Children Aged 5-6 Years
Authors: Hayyu Harisma Fatihatul , Wulansari Betty Yulia , Mutaqin Muhamad Azam , Bustari Nasriadi
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of the Hubbul ilmii Book on the reading abilities of children aged 5-6 years at SB Al-Ikhlas Kampung Sungai Penchala, Malaysia. Utilising a quantitative, experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, 35 participants underwent an eight-week reading program: Pretest and posttest assessments measured reading proficiency in vocabulary, sentence comprehension, and fluency. Data collection included observations and interviews, analysed using paired sample t-tests. Results demonstrated a significant positive effect, with a p-value of 0.000 and a t-value of 8.276, confirming improved reading skills post-intervention. Specifically, children showed marked improvements in letter recognition, memorisation, distinguishing letters, and reading fluency. The mean difference between pre-test and post-test scores was -4.400, with a standard deviation of 3.145 and a standard error mean of 0.531. These findings align with existing literature, underscoring the book's efficacy in enhancing early literacy. Implications suggest integrating multimedia resources in curricula to bolster language development. However, the study's limitations include its short duration and small sample size, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Further research with larger samples and longer durations is needed to validate these findings and explore long-term impacts. Implications suggest that integrating multimedia resources and age-appropriate books in curricula can significantly enhance language development and reading skills in young children. In conclusion, the Hubbul Ilmii Book effectively improves young children's reading abilities, supporting comprehensive language development and fostering learning confidence. This study advocates for the inclusion of such resources in early childhood education programs to bolster literacy and overall academic achievement.
The Importance of Age-Appropriate Poetry for Early Childhood Language and Cognitive Development: Teachers' Views on the Poem "Panca Indraku"
Authors: Fadillah Nida Nur , Syaodih Ernawulan
Published: July 2024

This study investigates kindergarten teachers' perspectives on the poem "Panca Indraku" and its suitability for promoting language and cognitive development in children aged 5-6. Using qualitative methods, data were collected through interviews and online questionnaires from seven kindergarten teachers selected through purposive sampling. Based on the Miles and Huberman method, the analysis involved data collection, sorting, display, and conclusion drawing. Results indicated several challenges: limited time allocated for poetry activities, difficulty finding suitable poems, scarcity of early childhood poetry, perceptions of complexity, insufficient emphasis on reading skills, children's lack of confidence, and the complexity of language in existing poems. Nonetheless, "Panca Indraku" was favourably viewed for its simple vocabulary, appropriate structure, repetitive patterns, and alignment with cognitive development. These findings suggest that integrating age-appropriate poetry like "Panca Indraku" into early childhood education can enhance language development, cognitive skills, and imaginative exploration. The study highlights the need for more age-appropriate poetry and a curriculum that supports diverse literary forms. Limitations include a small sample size and subjective teacher perceptions. Future research should include larger samples and quantitative measures to understand poetry's impact on early childhood development comprehensively. It should explore various poetic forms and their effects on child development.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INNOVATION CAPABILITY IN SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN WEST SUMATERA
Authors: Azriani Zednita , Khairati Rusda
Published: July 2024

This study generally identifies the factors that influence the innovation carried out by food-based Small Industries in developing their business. In particular, this study aims to identify innovations that have been carried out by small industry players and the factors that influence innovation by small industries in West Sumatra. Descriptive qualitative and quantitative analysis were used. Quantitative analysis was done using the logit model. The results of the study showed that the number of small industrial entrepreneurs who innovate in the form of products, processes, technology, and packaging is still very low. Small industry entrepreneurs who innovated related to products were only 6.7%, while none of the small industry entrepreneurs did technological innovation. The most innovative innovation activity carried out by small-scale entrepreneurs was packaging innovation, 48.3%. Product innovation was influenced significantly by the age of the entrepreneur, business experience, and participation in the organization. Packaging innovation was influenced significantly by education, business experience, dummy training and turnover. Technological innovation was significantly influenced by business experience, turnover, training participation.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON RUBBER FARMER HOUSEHOLD IN TANDING MARGA VILLAGE, PENUKAL ABAB LEMATANG ILIR REGENCY
Authors: Yanti Fetri , Aryani Desi , Sari Dwi Wulan , Malini Henny , Syafutri Merynda Indriyani
Published: July 2024

Rubber prices in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic decreased in March, April, and May. The decline in rubber prices in the domestic market was caused by a decline in world rubber demand, this affected the selling price of rubber at the farmers’ level. The impact of the decline in rubber prices also affects the income of rubber farmers who depend on rubber farming for their lives. This condition affects in the decreasing of farmers' purchasing power for primary and secondary products. This study aimed to analyze the differences between income and household consumption expenditure of rubber farmers before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in Tanding Marga Village. The study used survey method. Data collection was carried out in March 2021. Sampling was done using the simple random sampling method. The total sample for the analysis tool was 41 rubber farmers from 474 total rubber farmers. The data processing method used a paired two-sample t-test analysis tools. The results showed that there were differences in the income and household consumption expenditure of rubber farmers before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Farmers income decreased -12.61% during the Covid-19 pandemic. Income also affects consumption expenditures of farmer households. The household consumption expenditure decreased as much as -14.76% during the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the results of the t-test, there are significant differences between farmer household consumption expenditures before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Farmers should implement adaptation strategies to overcome the decline in income, which is by finding other income sources.
LOCAL WISDOM OF THEKELAN FARMERS IN GETASAN DISTRICT, SEMARANG REGENCY
Authors: Ilmi Muhammad Ulil , Sumekar Wulan , Prasetyo Agus Subhan
Published: July 2024

The local wisdom of farmers is created based on the long experience of predecessors related to the problems of the agricultural system and the environment to gain maximum results without destroying the balance of nature. The local wisdom of farmers is closely related to traditional perspectives, obedience to local customs and culture, and knowledge of virtues related to ethics and morals. One of the people in Indonesia who do farming activities with the implementation of local wisdom is the Thekelan farmer. They apply local wisdom in farming according to the teachings passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors. The location of Thekelan farmers is in Thekelan Village, Getasan District, Semarang Regency. For Thekelan farmers, being a farmer is full of dignity, as evidenced in various traditional rituals expressing gratitude for their profession. From the point of view of the agribusiness subsystems, local wisdom still applied by Thekelan farmers by the utilization of livestock waste, application of four types of intercropping system, and doing traditional pamongan ceremonies with offerings in the form of “thowok” as a form of offering and gratitude to nature.
LIBERICA COFFEE SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE IN KAYONG UTARA DISTRICT
Authors: Hilma Nadia , Maswadi Maswadi , Kusrini Novira
Published: July 2024

Coffee is one of Indonesia's export commodities which is quite important as a foreign exchange earner of the country. Coffee production in North Kayong Regency is quite high with the fourth highest position. The priority of supply chain performance is related to the production and distribution process of Liberica coffee products. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the very important priorities in assessing the performance indicators of the Liberica coffee supply chain in North Kayong Regency in order to carry out improvement or handling efforts in order to meet the objectives of the supply chain. The method used in this study is a descriptive method with qualitative and quantitative data.This research combines the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) model approach with the Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) method. The results shows that the main priority on the performance indicators of the Liberica coffee supply chain in North Kayong Regency at the farmer level for level 1 is SOURCE with a weight of 0.233, level 2 is Reliability with a weight of 0.312, and level 3 is orders customers are sent on time (OCT) with a weight of 0.242. While the main priority at the merchant level for level 1 is PLAN with a weight of 0.313, level 2 is Responsiveness with a weight of 0.245, and level 3 is packaging time (PkT) with a weight of 0.286. Implications of this research is the improve the availability and quality of liberica coffee products better, to reduce delays in meeting customer demands.
Web Technology and AAC
Authors: Hong Ki-Hyung ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: July 2024

The evolution of web technology opens a new era in software service and information sharing. Web 2.0, the current stage of web evolution, allows people to generate information in a virtual community and creates collective intelligence in many different areas by the collaboration, collective efforts, and competition of many individuals. Recently, web-based augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) services appears for easily sharing, using and extending AAC information such as AAC boards and activities. This article gives the basic concepts of the web technology that consists of browsers, internet and web servers, and explains how to access the information in the web. It also introduces the currently available web-based service systems in which people can make, upload, share, find, download and use the AAC information easily by using just web browsers.
Survey on the Use of Korean-type Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC) for person with brain lesions
Authors: Kong Jin Yong , Kim Kyung Yang , Nam Se Hyun , An Na yeon ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the needs of people with disabilities as a preliminary study for the development of Korean augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Methods: Quantitative research was conducted through questionnaires. Results: The majority of respondents said that they had many brain lesions and that the use of AAC would be helpful for communication. However, most AAC users who are currently using AAC or have used it in the past are less satisfied with AAC. Conclusion: In order to resolve the inconvenience caused by the lack of specificity of AAC, it is necessary to reflect distinctive characteristics of expected users’ disabilities. To improve user experience, portability of AAC device and controllability of the sound output volume are suggested as the most important performance measures. Discussions and suggestions are presented in this study.
Exploratory evaluation supported by experimental and modeling approaches of Inula viscosa root extract as a potent corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 1 M HCl solution
Authors: Adil Mahraz Mohamed , Salim Rajae , Loukili El Hassania , Assouguem Amine , Kara Mohammed , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Fidan Hafize , Laftouhi Abdelouahid , Mounadi Idrissi Amine , Hammouti Belkheir , Rais Zakia , Taleb Mustapha
Published: July 2024

The corrosion of metals poses a threat to the economy, the environment, and human health due to undesirable reactions and contaminated products. Corrosion inhibitors, including natural products, can play a key role in protecting metallic materials, especially under challenging conditions. In this study, the roots of the Inula viscosa plant were examined for their ability to act as corrosion inhibitors in a 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated for their corrosion inhibition capacity in a 1 M HCl solution. The effectiveness of different plant extracts was assessed, including an aqueous extract, an ethanolic extract, and a combined water–ethanol extract. Compounds present in the roots of Inula viscosa were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical properties of the extracts were studied using various techniques such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization. Additionally, surface analysis after immersion was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical data revealed that Inula viscosa root (IVR) extracts acted as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors with pronounced cathodic characteristics. The inhibitory efficiency was closely related to the concentration of Inula viscosa (I. viscosa), showing a significant increase with higher concentrations. This resulted in a decrease in corrosion current and an increase in polarization resistance. Notably, inhibitory efficiency reached high levels, up to 97.7% in mixed extract which represents a mixture between water and ethanol. In our study, it was observed that the mixed extract (water + ethanol) allowed for a greater corrosion inhibition compared to the other solvents studied, 97.7%. Surface analyses confirmed the formation of an organic film layer on the steel surface, attributed to the bonding of functional groups and heteroatoms in I. viscosa components. Therefore, this study paves the way for the potential integration of I. viscosa as a promising corrosion inhibition material, offering durable protection against steel corrosion and opening avenues for various related applications.
Geochemical sedimentary records of eutrophication and environmental change in Chaohu Lake, East China
Authors: Lu Shuguang , Wu Li , Guan Houchun , Hu Xiaosi , Yang Baodong , Luo Wenjing , Xu Ziyi , Zhang Yang , Liu Boshi , Cai Wentian
Published: July 2024

Chaohu Lake is a representative lake in China that suffers from severe eutrophication and algal blooms. Understanding the changes in the lake’s eutrophic condition over time is essential for its restoration and management under the background of global changes and regional sustainability. In this context, the compositions of carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ
13Corg and δ
15N, respectively), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and carbon–nitrogen ratio (C/N) were analysed to depict the history of eutrophic state of Chaohu Lake, and its relationship with environmental changes. The result show that before the 1950s, the primary productivity of the lake was low. During the period from the 1950s to the 1970s, primary productivity increased substantially due to eutrophication. From the 1970s to the present, as a result of the construction of the Chaohu Floodgate Station, water replacement in the semi-closed Chaohu Lake gradually slowed and nutrients began to accumulate more rapidly. These conditions led to enhanced lake productivity and rapid eutrophication, mainly caused by intensified human activities and increased exogenous inputs. Our findings suggest that the geochemical records (δ
13Corg, δ
15N, TOC, TN, and C/N ratios) in sediment for Chaohu Lake are capable of recording important shifts in the temporal evolution of lake-water trophic state.
Data Literacy of Secondary School Teachers: the Competence-Based Approach
Authors: Brazauskienė Evelina , Melnikova Julija
Published: July 2024

This study analyses the charging role of data literacy for general education teachers in the digital age, and highlights the need for
educators to be attentive to the feedback data generated by various educational platforms and the emergence of data literacy as a crucial
competency. Recognising the importance of data literacy in a variety of domains, it highlights the challenges that teachers face
in using data for effective teaching, as teachers play a crucial role in data-driven learning, and make informed pedagogical decisions
based on data interpretation and analysis. The study aims to analyse the theoretical foundations, highlighting the implications of
data literacy for teaching practice and the quality of education. It concludes that effective and equitable education in the digital era
requires the inclusion of teachers’ data literacy skills, and the promotion of a broader public understanding of the interaction between
data, education and student outcomes.
Tarp dvasinės piligrimystės ir kriminalinio turizmo – neošamanizmo kultūrinė analizė
Authors: Gintalaitė Agnė
Published: July 2024

Straipsnyje tyrinėjamas neošamaniškasis turizmas, jo paplitimas ir kompleksiškumas kultūrų studijų kontekste, atsižvelgiant į skirtingas
mobilumo formas – ne tik į fizinį žmonių, bet ir į idėjų, vaizdinių bei daiktų judėjimą. Analizuojami neošamanizmo vaizdiniai
kultūrinėje vaizduotėje, lėmę šio turistinio reiškinio plitimą, turistų charakteristika ir motyvai, pagrindiniai ištekliai bei šios turizmo
industrijos problemiškumas. Remiantis mokslinės literatūros analize, internetinių šaltinių apžvalga ir atlikto etnografinio tyrimo
duomenimis straipsnyje pabrėžiama, kad neošamaniškasis turizmas yra sudėtingas reiškinys, apimantis tradicinių etninių religinių
praktikų apropriaciją ir įtraukimą į šiuolaikinės Vakarų kultūros asmenybės tobulinimosi tradiciją. Aptariami neošamanizmo ryšiai su
Naujojo amžiaus religiniais judėjimais, gamtiniu dvasingumu ir aplinkosaugos idėjomis bei šio reiškinio vaidmeniu vartotojų visuomenėje.
Išryškinami su neošamaniškojo turizmo industrija susiję iššūkiai, tokie kaip turistų srautų poveikis vietos bendruomenėms,
etiniai ir teisiniai klausimai, susiję su enteogenų vartojimu. Straipsnis atskleidžia neošamanizmo kompleksiškumą, teorines reiškinio
konceptualizavimo strategijas.
The Potential of Christmas Markets for the Development of Positive Attitudes Towards Diversity: Students’ Ideas
Authors: Tomova Ekaterina
Published: July 2024

The paper presents the results of a study conducted with 18 students, future teachers. In the course of the study, the students are instructed
to design an activity (activities) in a Christmas market, with the focus being the implementation of educational interactions
aimed at developing positive attitudes in children towards diversity. Students are requested to submit their work in the form of a text
or a presentation. The aim of the study is to establish to what extent attending Christmas markets is likely to facilitate the development
of positive attitudes in children towards diversity. The main tasks are to analyse the students’ texts, to ascertain the presence or
absence of educational opportunities in their proposed activities, and to systematise and interpret the results. The research methods
used are theoretical analysis, content analysis, and rating scale.
The Challenges of Sustainable Development for a Coastal City: the Case of Klaipėda
Authors: Jameljanova Vaiva , Verkulevičiūtė-Kriukienė Daiva
Published: July 2024

Increasing poverty, the intensive use of natural resources, the spread of diseases, air pollution, the loss of biodiversity, and other global
and local problems in many areas of the world, have encouraged society to take concrete actions and initiatives. Coastal cities are
particularly sensitive to anthropogenic impact, so it is necessary to combine a dynamic economy with social development, separating
economic growth from environmental impact. This article analyses the problems of sustainable development in the coastal city of
Klaipėda in three respects: economic, social and environmental. The economic activity in the port city ensures its multifunctionality,
promotes the creation of jobs and the development of infrastructure, and is of great importance to the development of the entire region.
However, the city faces various socio-economic challenges, as well as environmental problems (air pollution, unpleasant smells,
noise, traffic problems). Intensive port activity increases the scale of these negative environmental problems. Therefore, the article
presents the main problems of sustainable development in the city, which were identified after analysing statistical data, analysing
city and port development documents, and interviewing experts. After systematising the obtained results, measures are proposed for
the solution of each problem, which are differentiated according to the areas of the city of Klaipėda.
The impact of substantial financial incentives on C-section rates: Evidence from Iran
Authors: Hyman David A. , Taheri Sarina , Rahmati Mohammad H.
Published: July 2024

Delivery by Cesarean section (C-section) is necessary in 10%–20% of births, but unnecessary C-sections result in elevated rates of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality and have high financial costs. For all of these reasons, excessive C-section rates have long been viewed as a serious public health problem. Iran has one of the highest rates of C-sections in the world, so reducing those rates (and the associated maternal and infant morbidity and mortality) has been an obvious public health priority. In 2014, the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education created substantial financial incentives discouraging the use of C-sections in public hospitals, and it subsequently extended a modified version of these incentives to nonpublic hospitals. We examine the impact of these reforms on C-section frequency and health outcomes. C-section rates in Iranian public hospitals declined by almost 5%, with higher reductions for first-time mothers, and smaller reductions for mothers with higher-risk pregnancies (e.g., mothers with hypertension or diabetes). We contribute by using a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach to show that physician-level financial incentives explain roughly two-thirds of the decline and patient-level financial incentives explain most of the rest. We also contribute by showing these reforms resulted in improved outcomes, with fewer maternal deaths and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Our findings indicate that economic incentives do affect C-section rates, but more aggressive strategies will be necessary to reduce C-section rates to the levels typically recommended by public health authorities (10%–20% of births).
CRITERIA FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF TREE STANDS DURING TIMBER HARVESTING IN MATURE AND OVERMATURE STANDS
Authors: КОВАЛЕВ А.П. , ЛАШИНА Е.В.
Published: July 2024

Формирование устойчивых древостоев при заготовке древесины в спелых и перестойных насаждениях во многом определяется применяемыми способами рубок и технологическими приемами их осуществления, что при сплошнолесосечных рубках прежде всего зависит от степени сохранения подроста, тонкомера и не подлежащих рубке деревьев, обеспечивающих ускоренное воспроизводство насаждений на вырубках. Среди технологий лесосечных работ этому способствуют узкопасечные технологические схемы с шириной пасек 15-30 м, позволяющие сохранять тонкомер и подрост свыше 60 %. При выборочном хозяйстве основной упор направлен на формирование ценных насаждений определенной полноты, возраста и структуры за счет интенсивности и равномерности выборки древесных пород, сохранения лесорастительной среды и условий произрастания основных лесообразователей. Здесь могут найти применение технологии, позволяющие проводить равномерную выборку деревьев по площади с сохранением послерубочной полноты не ниже 0.5. Целевой задачей исследований было выявление оптимальных приемов и способов рубок при заготовке древесины, обеспечивающих формирование устойчивых послерубочных насаждений для основных лесных формаций Дальнего Востока России.

The formation of sustainable tree stands during timber harvesting in mature and overmature stands is largely determined by logging methods used and the technological methods for their implementation. In clear-cutting, this, first of all, depends on the degree of preservation of undergrowth, small size trees and trees that are not subject to felling, ensuring accelerated reproduction of stands in cleared areas. Among logging technologies, this is facilitated by narrow felling technological schemes with logging widths of 15-30 m, which allow maintaining undergrowth and undergrowth of over 60 %. In selective felling, the main emphasis is on the formation of valuable stands of a certain density, age and structure due to the intensity and uniformity of the selection of tree species, the preservation of forest growing environment and the growing conditions of the main forest-forming species. Here technologies can be used that allow for a uniform selection of trees over an area while maintaining post-harvesting density of at least 0.5. The goal of the study was to identify optimal techniques and methods of felling during timber harvesting, ensuring the formation of sustainable post-logging tree stands for the main forest formations of the Russian Far East.