bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Myosteatosis and Perioperative Serum Chloride Levels: Independent Predictors of 180-Day Complications After Radical Cystectomy
Authors: SORNTHAI WASSAPOL , HANSOMWONG THITIPAT , TEYATEETI ACHIRAYA , WORANISARAKUL VARAT , JONGJITAREE KANTIMA , JITPRAPHAI SIROS , TAWEEMONKONGSAP TAWATCHAI , MAHAMONGKOL KATUNYOU , WANVIMOLKUL NATTAPORN
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of myosteatosis, sarcopenia, and perioperative serum biomarkers as independent predictors of major complications within 180 days following radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed of 127 MIBC patients who underwent RC between 2013 and 2023 at a single institution. Preoperative body composition was assessed using CT scans at the L3 vertebral level to measure psoas muscle density (PMD), skeletal muscle density (SMD), axial muscle density (AMD), and muscle indices. Novel inflammatory and nutritional markers, including serum chloride levels within 24 hours post-surgery, were also evaluated. Major complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative complications.
Results: Among the study cohort, 30.7% of patients experienced major complications within 90 days, and 36.2% within 180 days. Myosteatosis (p = 0.002) and postoperative serum chloride levels (p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of 180-day major complications. Patients with low PMD had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.959 for developing major complications, while increased serum chloride levels were associated with a reduced risk of complications (OR = 0.985). Multivariate analysis reveals associations between myosteatosis, aging, and anemia.
Conclusion: Myosteatosis and perioperative serum chloride levels are significant predictors of major complications after RC for MIBC. Incorporating body composition analysis and early serum chloride monitoring into perioperative care may improve risk stratification and patient outcomes following RC.
The Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index as a Useful Prognostic Indicator for Patients Who Underwent Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Hatayama Tomoya , Goto Kesuke , Kohada Yuki , Nishida Kensuke , Ueno Takeshi , Furutani Tomoki , Hashimoto Kunihiro , Takemoto Kenshiro , Naito Miki , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Kobatake Kohei , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goriki Akihiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: December 2024

Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the ability of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) to predict the prognosis of patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We also aimed to compare the ALI with other inflammatory or nutritional indices as prognostic indicators.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent RNU for UTUC at Hiroshima University Hospital and related hospitals between January 2010 and April 2024. We calculated the ALI before RNU and divided the patients into the low ALI and high ALI groups. We compared the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the low and high ALI groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, we assessed the ALI as a predictor of OS and RFS using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.
Results
We included 488 patients in this study. Based on an optimal cutoff value, 236 and 252 patients were divided into the low and high ALI groups, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p < 0.001) of the low ALI group were significantly shorter than those of the high ALI group. According to a multivariate analysis that included clinicopathological prognostic indicators, a low ALI was an independent predictor of poor OS (p = 0.016) and RFS (p = 0.029). Furthermore, according to the multivariate analysis including other inflammatory or nutritional indices, the ALI was the only independent predictor of poor OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p = 0.003).
Conclusions
The ALI was a significantly useful prognostic predictors of patients with UTUC who underwent RNU.
A Half Century Dataset on ETCCDI Annual Precipitation Indices for the Northern Savanna Agro-ecological Zone (Ghana) and the entire Country
Authors: Ampofo Steve , Annor Thompson , Aryee Jeffrey N. A. , Amekudzi Leonard K.
Published: December 2024

This data paper presents a summary of the computation of nine (9) precipitation indices for the country Ghana, and the Northern Savannah Agro-ecological Zone which is located beyond latitude 8° and is unique for its unimodal rainfall regime. The computations are performed with the Climate Data Tools (CDT®) and based on the ETCCDI© definition for the following variables; DD, WD, CDD, CWD, PRCPT, SDII, R10mm, R20mm, and R25mm. We have provided an Excel CSV binary file with a summary of each of the indices mentioned above for each year of the 56-year period (1960 to 2015) for both study areas. This data article includes four figures which shows the study areas and plots which enhances visual appraisal. The dataset would be relevant for climate change studies, particularly for comparative studies and validation purposes. It would specifically be useful for long-term identification of extreme climate events and projection of changes in rainfall patterns.
Weird, witty and worthwhile: Exploring the benefits of mnemonic- based medical education
Authors: Sarela Shazia , Shah Malvi , Kelley Emma , Rege Nidhi , Bava Harish , Aubeeluck Rama , Boby Elena , Prabhu Anusha
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Mnemonics, both self- created and well- established, are commonly used by medical students to boost their recall of knowledge in exams. Previous studies have evaluated mnemonics’ utility in medical education, but few have demonstrated positive effects on students’ knowledge and confidence. Mnemonics are also more commonly shared directly between peers, as opposed to being formally taught in medical schools. However, previous studies have not specifically evaluated mnemonics in near- peer based teaching. This study explores the impact of mnemonic-based, near- peer-led teaching on medical students' knowledge and confidence. It aims to determine whether mnemonics enhance students' ability to answer exam-style questions and boost self-perceived confidence and future mnemonic use.
Methods: Over eight months, 23 peer-led teaching sessions on commonly- tested clinical medical topics were held for third-year medical students, with at least two mnemonics incorporated into all sessions. Pre- and post- session SBA questions and five- point Likert scales were used to assess change in students’ knowledge and confidence, respectively. Post- session, Likert scales were also used to assess students’ self- rated utility of the mnemonics taught and their likely future use of each mnemonic. Statistical analyses were performed using Python and SciPy packages.
Results: Students demonstrated a significant improvement in SBA scores, particularly for mnemonic-linked questions (p < 0.05). Confidence levels also significantly increased post-teaching (p < 0.01). Students reported a higher likelihood of future mnemonic use, and a strong correlation was found between improved confidence and increased mnemonic use (p < 0.001). Out of five mnemonic types used, rhymes were the most useful mnemonics across all sessions, though absolute numbers of each mnemonic used were too small to draw any statistically significant conclusions.
Discussion: Peer-led teaching with mnemonic integration significantly improved both knowledge and student confidence. Mnemonics proved to be a valuable tool in aiding recall, and students expressed a higher likelihood of using them in the future. This study highlights the potential of both mnemonic-based and peer-led learning strategies in medical education. Future work could assess the utility of different types of mnemonics and follow up learners to assess knowledge retention over time.
Prediction of PD-L1 and EBV expression in gastric cancer from H&E-stained Whole Slide Imaging using deep learning
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Hejun , Lan Junlin , Wu Zhida , Zhang Xinlin , Wang Jianchao , Zhou Yuanbo , Chen Yuanbin , Zhao Longxuan , Tan Tao , Chen Gang , Tong Tong
Published: December 2024

PD-L1 inhibitors are more effective for patients with CPS ≥ 5 or EBV positivity in gastric cancer. However, determining PD-L1 and EBV expression requires costly and complex immunohistochemistry staining and in situ hybridization techniques. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop an AI system to assess PD-L1 and EBV expressions using H&E-stained slides. We developed an AI system based on H&E-stained slides, including 432 cases collected from Fujian Cancer Hospital, and 258 cases from the TCGA-STAD dataset. The backbone network was trained using self-supervised learning to enhance feature extraction and was combined with an attention network for slide-level prediction. Additionally, clinical information was integrated to improve accuracy. The proposed model demonstrated high performance, with AUCs of 0.860 for PD-L1, 0.962 for EBV, and 0.899 for the TCGA-STAD dataset. Furthermore, validation on biopsy slides yielded AUCs of 0.757 for PD-L1 and 0.918 for EBV. Our study confirmed that the proposed model can accurately predict PD-L1 and EBV expressions in gastric cancer using H&E-stained slides. The model trained on surgical specimens shows good generalization to biopsy samples. Additionally, incorporating self-supervised learning could enhance the model's feature extraction capabilities, thereby improving its robustness.
Supraglottoplasty and thriving in laryngomalacia. Is there a nexus?
Authors: Sousa Patrícia Silva , Coutinho Gil , Andrade António , Vaz Ricardo , Moura Carla Pinto , Spratley Jorge
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive are common findings in patients with severe laryngomalacia with an indication for supraglottoplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia and its impact on weight progression.
Methods
An observational cohort study of pediatric patients with laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty from 2018 to 2023 was conducted. Postoperative outcomes, including weight gain were evaluated. Children with comorbidities which caused a negative impact on height and weight development were excluded from the study.
Results
Thirty-eight children with severe laryngomalacia underwent supraglottoplasty; After exclusion criteria, 32 patients were analyzed; 59.4% were male. The mean age at presentation was 5.8 months and at surgery was 10.5 months. All cases of respiratory distress resolved with surgery. In the weight evaluation, 56.3% had a preoperative weight percentile below 15 and 10 patients were below 5. A statistically significant increase was observed between the preoperative weight percentile and the postoperative weight percentile at 1, 3 and 6 months. Regarding children with weight percentile below 15, 72.2% successfully crossed two weight percentile lines and 90% of children with failure to thrive managed to rise above the percentile 5.
Conclusion
Supraglottoplasty leads to symptomatic improvement and a significant increase in weight percentile in patients with severe laryngomalacia. Growth curves adjusted for gender and age should be an objective measure of supraglottoplasty outcomes.
DRCD: A Regional-Contention-Driven Arbitration Policy for CPU-GPU Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Fang Juan , Cheng Haoyu , Wang Yuening , Zhai Ran
Published: December 2024

In CPU-GPU heterogeneous systems, there exists intense resource contention between CPUs and GPUs. Traditional resource arbitration policies fail to account for the heterogeneity of cores, leading to inefficient network resource utilization for the CPU, which negatively impacts its performance. In heterogeneous networks, the degree of resource contention varies across different regions. This paper first uses reinforcement learning to analyze the message feature weights relied upon for resource arbitration in different network regions. To achieve more efficient resource allocation, a regional-contention-driven arbitration policy is proposed. Simulation results show that, compared to traditional arbitration policy, the overall network latency is reduced by 7.99%, and CPU performance is improved by 11.42%. Furthermore, a dynamic regional-contention-driven arbitration policy is proposed, which further reduces the overall network latency by 10.47% and increases CPU performance by 16.79% compared to traditional arbitration policy.
Context Matters: Assessing Cognitive Bias Susceptibility in Health Care Professionals Using Generic and Context-Specific Scales
Authors: Takase Miyuki
Published: December 2024

This study investigated whether healthcare professionals exhibit differing levels of susceptibility to cognitive biases when responding to generic versus context-specific cognitive bias scales. Fifty-five nurses from three healthcare institutions in Japan completed an online survey assessing three biases: conjunction fallacy, base-rate neglect, and belief bias. Generic scales presented abstract scenarios, while context-specific scales utilised clinical situations relevant to patient fall risk. Results revealed that nurses demonstrated significantly higher susceptibility to cognitive biases on context-specific scales for conjunction fallacy and belief bias, although no significant difference was observed for base-rate neglect. These findings suggest that professional expertise may activate cognitive shortcuts, such as pattern recognition, leading to biased judgments in domain-specific contexts. The study underscores the importance of employing context-specific measures to accurately assess the impact of cognitive biases on professional decision-making. This approach is critical for advancing research on expert judgement and mitigating errors in healthcare practice.
Localization of the Cluster satellites in the geospace environment
Authors: Grison Benjamin , Darrouzet Fabien , Maggiolo Romain , Hajoš Mychajlo , Dvořák Michal , Švanda Martin , Jeřábková Anna , Taylor Matthew , Herment Delphine , Masson Arnaud , Souček Jan , Santolı́k Ondřej , De Keyser Johan
Published: December 2024

The geometry of the terrestrial magnetized environment, or geospace, varies widely in space and time due to the Earth’s magnetic field interactions with the interplanetary medium. A spacecraft’s location in geospace is only approximately determined by its coordinates since the environment is inhomogeneous, with distinct physical processes occurring in different regions.
Knowing the location in the geospace offers a strong support for data analysis. This paper introduces a new dataset, Geospace Region and Magnetospheric Boundary identification (GRMB), which provides labelled positions for each Cluster spacecraft over the whole mission, with respect to the local environment. This continuous labelling is based on manual selection, supported by browsing 44 different Cluster data products. The GRMB dataset includes 15 labels spanning from the plasmasphere to solar wind regions. Its consistency is validated over 7 years against reference lists and by the physical properties of the GRMB regions. Over those years, Cluster spent a similar proportion of the time (≈ 15%) in the regions labelled lobe, plasmasheet, plasmasheet transition region, magnetosheath and solar wind.
Formation of Students’ Regulatory Universal Learning Actions in Project Activities (on the Example of the Interdisciplinary Project Implementation within the Framework of the Regional Profile Shift “IQ-holidays”)
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Trofimova Oksana V.
Published: December 2024

Possession of various skills and abilities in project activities is a sign of a successful person in any profession of the 21st century. Modern society and the state expect active graduates from school, capable of
designing in various fields, able to set goals, formulate tasks and achieve them, using step-by-step planning
of their activities. Today, it is important that students of both basic and secondary schools master, first of all,
regulatory universal learning activities related to design. To do this, the teacher must clearly understand the
methodology for the formation of such universal learning activities. This is what determines the relevance of
this article. The purpose of the work is to describe the methodology for the formation of regulatory universal
learning activities in students, reflecting meta-subject learning outcomes, in the course of work on an interdisciplinary research project. The author uses theoretical research methods, such as analysis and generalization
of pedagogical and methodological literature on the topic of the research. Empirical research methods are
also used, such as a survey, observation during the educational process, design and study of the product of schoolchildren’s project activities. The provisions of the system-activity approach, which is the leading one in
the modern education system, have become the methodological basis of the study. The author describes the
system of work on the formation of project-based regulatory universal learning activities and skills in students
during the preparation and implementation of the interdisciplinary project “Unique Transbaikalia” by students
within the framework of the regional profile shift “IQ-vacation”, held by the State Autonomous Institution of Additional Education Educational Center “Eureka” in June 2024 in a country camp on the shore of Lake Arakhley.
The article describes the main ideas, methods and techniques for teaching students interdisciplinary project
activities in line with the system-activity approach. The scientific novelty of the work is seen in the points of
conjugation of two sciences – biology and philology, discovered by the project managers, an attempt at their
practical integration and projection of this conjugation into the project activities of students.
Innovative Activity of a Teacher in the Modern Realities of Higher Education in Russia
Authors:   Academy of Marketing and Socio-information Technologies – IMSIT, Salmenkova Marina V.
Published: December 2024

Higher education institutions are actively involved in the socio-political life of the country. In this regard,
it is necessary to improve the regulatory framework for coordinating research and innovation activities of an
educational organization. The purpose of the study is to determine the conditions for supporting innovative
science in universities, regardless of the direction of their activities, based on the contribution of teachers to
the creation of a methodological basis for the widespread use of electronic resources. The methodology for
considering the topic is presented by a functional approach that allows you to get a complete picture of the
responsibilities of a higher school teacher and the place of innovation among them. Within the framework of
the problem, methods of analyzing regulatory sources, scientific articles, and generalization are used in order
to formulate conclusions of the work done. The results of the study revealed the insufficiency of state support
measures for the innovative pedagogy sector. The conclusion is that currently there are prerequisites for creating conditions to support the entire sector of innovative science in universities, regardless of its orientation. The use of distance education technologies has become a trigger for mass education without interrupting the
main work of students. At the previous stage, the scientific work of universities did not provide for the unity of
the grounds for teachers’ interest in creating advanced innovative products due to the tight time frame. This
opportunity has arisen at the present stage of the higher education system development; its use depends not
only on Russian universities, but also on the understanding by Russian government authorities that innovative
pedagogy needs state support projects no less than technological areas of student training.
Private Law Aspects of Liquidity Pools in Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Authors: Curchod Nicolas , Pasquier Bruno
Published: December 2024

Liquidity pools are essential for the functioning of decentralised finance. Nevertheless, the legal issues they raise have found little attention in legal scholarship. This article explains how liquidity is provided in decentralised finance, as opposed to centralised finance, and introduces the relevant stakeholders (i.e., DEX operators, liquidity providers, and traders). Then, it explores the legal relationships between such stakeholders from a contract law perspective. Further, it discusses the options of users to seek compensation in case they incur damage in connection with the use of decentralised finance platforms. Finally, it sets out the limitations of the existing legal framework and the need for legislative action.
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Liquiditätspools sind für das Funktionieren des dezentralen Finanzwesens unerlässlich. Trotzdem finden die rechtlichen Fragen, die sie aufwerfen, in der Rechtswissenschaft nur wenig Beachtung. Dieser Beitrag erläutert die Art und Weise, wie im dezentralen Finanzwesen - im Gegensatz zum zentralen Finanzwesen - Liquidität bereitgestellt wird, und stellt die relevanten Akteure (d.h. Betreiber von dezentralen Börsen DEX, Liquiditätsanbieter und Händler) vor. Anschliessend werden die rechtlichen Beziehungen zwischen diesen Akteuren aus vertragsrechtlicher Sicht untersucht. Ferner werden die Möglichkeiten der Benutzenden erörtert, Schadenersatz zu verlangen, wenn ihnen im Zusammenhang mit der Nutzung dezentraler Finanzplattformen ein Schaden entsteht. Schliesslich werden die Grenzen des bestehenden Rechtsrahmens und der Bedarf an gesetzgeberischen Massnahmen aufgezeigt.
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Si les liquidity pools sont essentielles au bon fonctionnement de la finance décentralisée, les questions juridiques qu'elles suscitent n'ont trouvé que peu d'attention en doctrine. La présente contribution présente la manière par laquelle la liquidité est assurée dans la finance décentralisée, par opposition à la finance traditionnelle, et présente les acteurs pertinents (opérateurs d'échanges décentralisés DEX, fournisseurs de liquidité et traders). Elle expose ensuite les relations juridiques entre les différents acteurs sur le plan contractuel. Puis, elle examine les possibilités pour les utilisateurs ayant subi un préjudice dans le cadre de l'utilisation d'échanges décentralisés de demander la réparation du dommage. Enfin, elle expose les limites du cadre juridique existant et la nécessité d'une action législative.
Optimization of maritime emergency base placement for inland waterway accident response: a case study of the Yangtze River
Authors:   Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China, Ma Quandang ,   National Engineering Research Center for Water Transport Safety, Wuhan, China, Pan Jiaquan ,   Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China,   National Engineering Research Center for Water Transport Safety, Wuhan, China, Zhou Yang ,   Wuhan Digital Engineering Institute, Wuhan, China, Zhou Shaorui ,   School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Xingang xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, China, Zhang Mingyang ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Published: December 2024

As the construction of maritime emergency rescue systems worldwide increases, there are more maritime emergency bases along the Yangtze River, yet the mismatch between the layout of these bases and the demand for maritime emergency rescue has emerged. This paper analyzes the impact of marine transportation accident characteristics on emergency demand, uses the CRITIC assignment method to quantify the weights of accident characteristics, and classifies accident levels via the WRSR method. It introduces the equivalent accident number method's research idea and employs the DBSCAN algorithm to cluster and analyze accident blackspots on the Yangtze River mainline. Based on identified blackspots and multiple siting model characteristics, an emergency base siting model considering accident emergency demand is proposed and solved with LINGO. Taking the accident cases in the Nanjing section of the Yangtze River from 2019 to 2021 as an example, a siting scheme meeting the emergency demand of the Yangtze River trunk line is obtained. Model validation results show that at least three maritime emergency facilities need to be built in the Nanjing section to ensure comprehensive coverage of main navigable waters. As the number of emergency facilities grows, their comprehensive emergency response time decreases and multiple coverage of high-risk waters can be achieved. Decision-makers can formulate emergency facility layout plans based on the proposed siting method.
Motives of Power as the Basis for Communication and Image of a Political Leader
Authors: Makarov A. V. , Komar I. V.
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of motives of power on the formation of the image of a political leader and his communication with the society. The core of the study is the lack of an adequate tool for analyzing the motives of power and a tool for analyzing the compliance of motives of power with the demand of citizens and the political situation. The authors analyze the internal factors that determine the behavior of leaders, as well as the role of motives of power in the process of their communication with society and in their perception by society. The importance of targeted management of the image of political leaders in the current political situation is emphasized, where, according to the authors, a significant aspect is the identification and emphasis of certain motives of power and their compliance with the demand of citizens and the political situation. The authors note that in modern political conditions successful management of the leader’s image requires conscious cultivation of certain motives of power. Using the methods of social psychoanalysis the authors develop and represent the tools that allow, with the help of experts or self-diagnosis of the candidate (1) to identify the dominant motives of power in the structure of the personality, which can be used to form a positive public opinion and increase the effectiveness of political communication, (2) to assess the conformity of the motives of power of the personality with the motives of power that are requested by citizens and the political situation.
Social and Psychological Determinacy of Attitudes towards the “Year of the Family – 2024” Logo: communicative aspect
Authors: Krotova I. V. , Palekha E. S.
Published: December 2024

The paper represents the results of the study of attitudes towards the “Year of the Family – 2024” logo in Russia in the context of popularizing family values and analyzing the value-semantic orientations of young people. The authors reveal the role of socio[1]psychological factors in ensuring the compliance and uniqueness of a social advertising product with the internal expectations and attitudes of the target audience. The study shows that the personal value-semantic attitudes of respondents within the framework of their attitude towards the image and their differences in internal priorities determine the choice of assessments in the preferences of the elements that make up the logo image. The desire to achieve emotional richness and productivity in life, love, to focus on the happiness of others and to experience the beautify of nature and art is manifested in the approval of the image of a large and friendly family, the name of the campaign and its colors. Negative attitudes towards the logo were found among people with dominant values of knowledge and freedom, and the desire to fully control their lives, which is manifested in disagreement with the statement to create a family, such as shown in the campaign, in rejection of the idea that the family should be determinately large, and the skepticism towards the slogan “We have room to grow”. The authors raise the question of how attitudes towards instruments of popularization of family values are formed and what should be the form and content of communications, interaction, information and psychological support of public campaigns conducted within the framework of social and family policy, when understanding of socio-psychological patterns in increasing the effectiveness of PR technology and information and communication practice is of particular importance. The findings expand the general understanding of the existing possibilities for managing public opinion, building relationships between society and government agencies, in the context of current changes in social processes, information and digital factors that influence public consciousness in the process of socialization of young people, their involvement in the field of family protection and preserving the country’s family values.
Audience Cultural Practices in the Digital Media Environment: the factor of recommendation services
Authors: Nazarov M. M.
Published: December 2024

The paper represents the analysis of the role of recommendation services as a new element of the modern media environment. The methodology presupposes that audience practices are interdependent by autonomous user activity, on the one hand, and structural parameters of media and other social institutions, on the other. The author argues that recommendation algorithms are an important component of platform management in the media business. Online monitoring of user behavior increases the targeting capabilities of recommendation services, contributes to the individualization and automation of communication exchange in a society of information abundance. The formats for implementing recommendation algorithms turn out to be “embedded” in media consumption, influencing individual’s cultural practices. Author concludes argued that media recommendation services are one of the areas of production of the algorithmic culture, as a result of the application of computational procedures for sorting and hierarchizing various objects of the life world based on behavioral data. Practice of using media recommendation services by the Russian audience forms the empirical part of the study. It was recorded that three quarters of users turned to the content offered by recommendation services. At the same time, the practices of algorithmic recommendations cause both positive and negative assessments. At the same time, the practices of algorithmic recommendations cause both positive and negative assessments. Opinions are divided on the issue of trust in recommendation services: about half of the respondents were characterized by varying degrees of distrust; whereas third of the respondents featured with trust in recommendation services. Findings revealed that trust in recommendation services is statistically significantly correlated with indicators of: age; positive expectations from the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies and their use in everyday life; activity of accessing social networks and online video viewing platforms.
GESTIÓN ADMINISTRATIVA, UN ENFOQUE HACIA LOS PROCESOS DE CONTRATACIÓN EN EL GOBIERNO PROVINCIAL DE MANABÍ
Authors: Ponce Alvarez Cruz Verónica , Changoluisa Yánez Camilo Estuardo
Published: December 2024

El estudio se realizó en el Gobierno Provincial de Manabí y se centró en analizar cómo la gestión administrativa incide en los procesos de contratación de ínfima cuantía. La problemática radica en las deficiencias observadas en la transparencia y eficiencia de dichos procesos. El objetivo fue identificar las áreas de mejora, evaluar el impacto de la gestión administrativa y proponer recomendaciones. Metodológicamente, se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo, utilizando entrevistas y encuestas con 31 funcionarios y un director departamental. Los resultados indicaron que un 42% de los funcionarios considera que las directrices administrativas son “muy claras”, un 48% opina que la gestión administrativa “facilita completamente” el cumplimiento de plazos, y un 42% percibe que las discrepancias en los documentos administrativos ocurren “raramente”. La supervisión de los procesos es considerada “muy efectiva” por un 42%. En conclusión, aunque la mayoría percibe claridad y efectividad en la gestión, aún existen áreas que requieren mejoras, especialmente en la estandarización de procesos y la capacitación del personal.
„Najważniejsze są logika i spójność” – o sztuce operatorskiej i współpracy z Romanem Polańskim
Authors: Taras Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

„Najważniejsze są logika i spójność” – o sztuce operatorskiej i współpracy z Romanem Polańskim z Pawłem Edelmanem rozmawia Katarzyna Taras
„Route 99” – podróż przetworzona w formę artystyczną. O narastającym na świecie nacjonalizmie, Iwaszkiewiczowskim doświadczeniu podróżowania i upodobaniu do sztuczności teatru
Authors: Tomczyk-Jarzyna Izabela
Published: December 2024

Route 99 – podróż przetworzona w formę artystyczną. O narastającym na świecie nacjonalizmie, Iwaszkiewiczowskim doświadczeniu podróżowania i upodobaniu do sztuczności teatru – z Filipem Bajonem rozmawia Izabela Tomczyk-Jarzyna
Factors Influencing the Uptake of Isoniazid Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy among Eligible HIV Patients in Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matakanye Hulisani , Mboweni Sheillah H.
Published: December 2024

Background

This review employs a non-empirical research design, specifically a systematic review, to investigate evidence-based factors influencing the adoption of isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) among eligible HIV patients. The objective is to contextualize these factors within an African setting, facilitating their accessibility for policymakers.

Material and Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search across various databases, including Google Scholar, Africa-wide information, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), Education Sources, Health Sources – Consumer Edition, Health Sources: Nursing/Academic Edition, Humanities and Social Sciences Index Retrospective Humanities Sources, MasterFILE Premier, MEDLINE, and SociINDEX was conducted. The inclusion criteria were met by a total of n=11 full-text articles from accredited peer-reviewed journals. Utilizing a quality assessment research instrument tool, the gathered data were synthesized and analyzed. The review spanned African sources from January 2019 to April 2023, revealing diverse factors affecting IPT uptake, encompassing influences from health workers, patients, and health system-related aspects.

Results

The study revealed the interplay of various factors categories into four themes that influence IPT intake mostly at the facility level and include: Patient-related factors, healthcare care providers, and health facility factors and strategies to improve IPT uptake.

Discussion

The study's findings underscore the significance of implementing Quality Improvement (QI) interventions comprising three essential components delivered as a cohesive package. Moreover, the study advocates for the incorporation of m-Health technology to send reminders to patients, thereby enhancing completion rates for IPT.

Conclusion

The papers revealed patient, health care workers, and health system challenges that requires the adoption of strategies such as quality improvement interventions, coupled with data monitoring, improving supply chain management, supportive supervision, enhanced health care infrastructure, healthcare workers capacity building, Partnership, Community and patient engagement and the integration of m-health technology as effective strategies to improve IPT uptake.
Pengaruh Kepadatan Kandang Terhadap Presentase Lemak Abdominal, Perilaku Istirahat, dan Kelainan Kaki Broiler Di Kandang Terbuka
Authors: Maulana Muhammad Ridhwan , Nursita Ita Wahju
Published: December 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepadatan kandang terhadap persentase lemak perut, perilaku istirahat, dan kelainan kaki pada ayam broiler. Penelitian ini menggunakan 180 ekor ayam pedaging strain Cobb dengan tingkat kepadatan kandang berbeda yaitu (P1) 6 ekor ayam pedaging/m², (P2) 8 ekor ayam pedaging/m², (P3) 10 ekor ayam pedaging/m², dan (P4) 12 ekor ayam pedaging/m². Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan dan 5 ulangan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan Analisis ragam (Analysis of Variance) dan apabila berbeda nyata maka dilanjutkan dengan Uji Jarak Berganda Duncan. Hasil analisis statistik menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan yang sangat nyata (P<0,01) terhadap persentase lemak abdominal, perilaku istirahat dan kelainan kaki pada ayam broiler. Rata-rata persentase lemak perut pada P1 (0,86%), P2 (0,74%), P3 (1,14%), dan P4 (0,58%). Rata-rata perilaku istirahat adalah (P1) 0,77 kali/ekor/jam, (P2) 0,75 kali/ekor/jam, (P3) 0,81 kali/ekor/jam, dan (P4) 0,84 kali/ekor/jam pengamatan dan kelainan kaki pada ayam pedaging menunjukkan skor rata-rata pada P1 (3,8), P2 (1,8), P3 (2,8), dan P4 (4,2). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa kepadatan kandang yang terbaik adalah 8 ekor/m2 berdasarkan persentase lemak perut, perilaku istirahat dan kelainan kaki. Disarankan bagai peternak yang akan memelihara broiler dengan sistem terbuka maka dapat digunakan kepadatan kandang 8 ekor/m2.  Penelitian sejenis dapat dilanjutkan pada sistem kandang tertutup.
Clinical application of virtual reality for vestibular rehabilitation
Authors: Hong Sung Kwang
Published: December 2024

Virtual reality has emerged as a promising tool in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), offering immersive and interactive environments that enhance patient engagement and adherence to therapy. Its potential lies in delivering controlled, customizable exercise protocols that simulate real-world challenges in a safe, monitored environment. This allows healthcare providers to tailor exercises based on gaze stabilization, vestibulo-ocular reflex training, and balance training, according to a patient’s specific complaints, symptoms, and progress. While cybersickness is a potential concern with virtual reality interventions, patients with vestibular loss are generally less susceptible to the visual-vestibular mismatch that often causes motion sickness. Studies have shown that side effects, such as nausea or discomfort from cybersickness, are minimal for most patients undergoing virtual reality-based VRT. Despite these promising results, further research is needed to fully validate the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in VRT. This article will explore the current status and future potential of virtual reality in VRT, including considerations for its clinical application and areas for future research.
Children's right to access early childhood education: in search of democracy and freedom
Authors: Sarmento Teresa
Published: December 2024

The text addresses the intersection between childhood, freedom and democracy in the context of early childhood education, highlighting the connection between the history of children and women, and their relationship to educational institutions and pedagogical ideas, in an ecosystem influenced by economic, socio-political and cultural factors. In the last two centuries, the promotion of the right to equal access to early childhood education has oscillated between social and pedagogical movements, which are interdependent but whose overvaluation of one or the other has marked the history of childhood education. The text analyses how early childhood education in Portugal has been at the service of democracy, especially in terms of access for all children to nursery schools and kindergartens, emphasising the need for the existence of conditions that guarantee the implementation of participatory and emancipatory educational practices.
Itinerant Curriculum Theory: Fulfilling the ethos of the Carnation Revolution
Authors: Paraskeva João M.
Published: December 2024

Five decades after April, where do we find ourselves as pedagogues and curriculum theorists? What progress has been made, and what challenges still lie ahead? A question of such magnitude will not fit in an essay of this nature. Aware of this obstacle, this article crafts a broad and varied picture of achievements and setbacks that characterized education post-April 25th. The essay focuses on emblematic epistemological cathartics between hegemonic and counter-hegemonic traditions and within the latter that have been unable to devitalize the field’s historical epistemicidal nerve - maculating the democratic spirit of education, curriculum, and teacher preparation programs. The article describes how these shakeups trigger a theoretical imparity and involution in the field, intimately related to some of the most egregious social challenges the nation is facing – immigration, climate change, poverty, and inequality, among others. The essay ends by advocating an itinerant curricular theory as a pedagogical proposal that responds to humanity’s diversity and epistemological differences.
Processo de Ingresso no Ensino Superior de Estudantes Imigrantes e Refugiados: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Alvarado Cevallos Efrén , Varsori Enrickson , Guilherme Alexandre Anselmo
Published: December 2024

O presente trabalho é uma revisão da literatura e desenvolve um quadro de compreensão teórica sobre os fenômenos migratórios transnacionais relacionados ao crescimento dos deslocamentos globais e às oportunidades de ingresso no ensino superior por meio da sistematização da literatura disponível em 15 artigos. Foram usados o PRISMA Scopus Review, ferramenta especializada nesse tipo de produção científica, e o programa de processamento da informação de uso livre Ryyan, que é um software amplamente difundido na produção de revisões sistemáticas. É construída uma análise crítica sobre como operam os princípios da equidade nas atividades de admissão institucional. Este trabalho instrumentaliza os aportes teóricos fornecidos pela teoria institucional de Scott (2004), considerando a relação existente entre a integração acadêmica materializada em disposições institucionais, com um impacto na vida dos estudantes em contexto de mobilização forçada, ao implicarem determinações sociais, culturais e políticas que influenciam a forma como os discursos são conceptualizados e construídos (Scott, 2004). Argumenta-se que estes constructos de equidade têm impacto na materialização de políticas relacionadas com a justiça social organizadas pelos estados. O artigo discute como as políticas e práticas institucionais, padronizadas para a construção de aplicações e normas de acesso e equidade, acabam criando novas exclusões para migrantes. Realiza-se uma análise crítica dos arranjos institucionais que são utilizados para atender às necessidades educacionais das pessoas em busca de asilo, destacando a participação de organizações não estatais, buscando gerar debates que possam levar a mudanças mais estruturais.
Older Adults’ Financial Literacy Spatial Analysis in Tlaxcala
Authors: Raccanello Kristiano , Montalvo Vargas Ramos
Published: December 2024

This paper maps older adults (OAs) financial literacy in 59 out of 60 municipalities of the Tlaxcala state (Mexico) analyzing the patterns at municipality and voting district level. Through a random sample of 2954 OAs we measure and compare sub-groups financial literacy means versus the state mean. Only 2.33% of all OAs are financial literate, and those with higher dependency score below the state average. Formal education and not having inherited are associated with major knowledge and OAs financial illiteracy is associated with being abused. This results may serve as a baseline for public policy and show specific vulnerabilities for this age group. The main limitation of the research is that neither all municipalities, nor voting district, were surveyed. The originality stems from mapping microdata aggregation that may benefit decision makers and research scholars. In order to spread financial literacy specific actions attached to the national policy need to be taken.
Technology Acceptance Model and Fintech: An Evidence from Italian Banking Industry
Authors: Raza Ali , Tursoy Turgut
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study is to provide the relationship between Technology Acceptance model (TAM) and adoption of FinTech (Financial Technology). The study highlights the difficulties encountered when using FinTech in Italian banks and explores the factors of TAM model impacting the adoption of FinTech. Structured Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology has been adopted to check the effect of TAM on FinTech. The sample size was 300 and collected from those Italian banks controlled by Central European. The findings suggest that Perceived Usefulness and Brand image are not statistically significant with adopting FinTech services in Italian banking industry (p>0.05). At the same time, Employee Trust, Perceived Risk, Government support, and Innovativeness are statistically significant with adopting FinTech services in Italian banking industry (p<0.05). The originality of this study that it is very important for employees which adopted TAM strategy in the banking industry, because FinTech adoption can also lead to a slow transition and gradual efficiency.
Distal and Proximal Influences on Self-Reported Oral Pain and Self-Rated Oral Health Status in Saudi Arabia: Retrospective Study Using a 2017 Nationwide Database
Authors: Abogazalah Naif , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Soto-Rojas Armando E , Bindayeld Naif , Yepes Juan F , Martinez Mier Esperanza Angeles
Published: December 2024

Background

Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, health care costs, and quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, has increased over recent decades, driven by various lifestyle changes.

Objective

To explore the associations between proximal (direct) and distal (indirect) influences that affect oral pain (OP) and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using an adapted conceptual framework.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study used data from a national health survey conducted in KSA in 2017. The sample included adults (N=29,274), adolescents (N=9910), and children (N=11,653). Sociodemographic data, health characteristics, and access to oral health services were considered distal influences, while frequency and type of dental visits, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and consumption of sweets and soft drinks were considered proximal influences. Path analysis modeling was used to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of proximal and distal influences on OP and SROH status.

Results

The mean age of adult respondents was 42.2 years; adolescents, 20.4 years; and children, 10.58 years. Despite OP reports from 39% of children, 48.5% of adolescents, and 47.1% of adults, over 87% across all groups rated their oral health as good, very good, or excellent. A higher frequency of tooth brushing showed a strong inverse relationship with OP and a positive correlation with SROH (P<.001). Frequent dental visits were positively associated with OP and negatively with SROH (P<.001). Sweet consumption increased OP in adolescents (β=0.033, P=.007) and negatively affected SROH in children (β=–0.086, P<.001), adolescents (β=–0.079, P<.001), and adults (β=–0.068, P<.001). Soft drink consumption, however, was associated with lower OP in adolescents (β=–0.034, P=.005) and improved SROH in adolescents (β=0.063, P<.001) and adults (β=0.068, P<.001). Smoking increased OP in adults (β=0.030, P<.001). Distal influences like higher education were directly linked to better SROH (β=0.046, P=.003) and less OP (indirectly through tooth brushing, β=–0.004, P<.001). For children, high household income correlated with less OP (β=–0.030, P=.02), but indirectly increased OP through other pathways (β=0.024, P=.003). Lack of access was associated with negative oral health measures (P<.001).

Conclusions

Among the KSA population, OP and SROH were directly influenced by many proximal and distal influences that had direct, indirect, or combined influences on OP and SROH status.