bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Transtheoretical Model of Change to Enhance High School Female Students’ Self-Efficacy of Refraining from Carbonated Drinks Consumption
Authors: Kareem Abed Ali Hawraa , Jabbar Qasim Wissam
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To examine the efficacy of the Transtheoretical Model of Change-based intervention in enhancing students’ Self-Efficacy by refraining from carbonated drinks.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at Al-Russafa High School for girls in Baghdad City. The study involved a random sample of 144 female high school students, with 72 students in the intervention group and 72 in the control group. The research instrument collected data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, including age, living arrangements, and family socioeconomic status. Additionally, we used the Stages of Change for Carbonated Drinks Consumption Behaviour Scale (Short Form) and the Stages of Change for Carbonated Drinks Consumption Behaviour Scale (Continuous Measure).

Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows, version 27.

Results: The study results exhibit that more than half of participants in the study group are in the Precontemplation Stage of Change in the pretest time (n = 42; 58.3%), followed by those who are in the Preparation Stage of Change (n = 15; 20.8%), those who are in the Contemplation Stage of Change (n = 14; 19.4%), and one who is in the Maintenance Stage of Change (n = 1; 1.4%).

In posttest 2, less than two-fifths became in the Action Stage of Change (n = 28; 38.9%), followed by those who became in the Preparation Stage of Change (n = 19; 26.4%), those who became in the Maintenance Stage of Change (n = 18; 25.0%), those who became in the Contemplation Stage of Change (n = 6; 8.3%), and one who stayed in the Precontemplation of Change (n = 1; 1.4%).

The researchers concluded that the administered intervention based on the TTM efficaciously enhanced students’ readiness to refrain from carbonated drinks consumption.

Conclusion: The administered Stage-matched intervention based on the TTM efficaciously enhanced students’ Self-Efficacy in refraining from carbonated drinks consumption.
Effect of Hemoglobinopathies on Adolescent's Behaviour at Heredity Blood Diseases Center
Authors: Qasim Mohammed Asmahan
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of hemoglobinopathies disease on adolescent's behavior and to find the relationship between adolescent's socio-demographic characteristics and the effect of Hemoglobinopathies on Adolescent's Behavior.

Methods: Adolescents male and female with (beta thalassemia and sickle cell anemia) who were between the ages of 12 and 20 were the participants of a descriptive study. The research began on June 17, 2022, and lasted until November 15, 2022 to determine the effect of hemoglobinopathies disease on adolescent's behavior. A non-probability purposive sample of (105) adolescents was chosen at the Heredity Blood Diseases Center in Ibn Al Balady for children. and maternity. The information gathered between the 15th of July and the 15th of August 2022 using a built-in questionnaire and a direct interview method.

Results: The findings of this study show that hemoglobinopathies disease have a moderate to low effect on adolescents' behavior, with 53.3% of them are showing moderate and 41.9% are showing low.

 Conclusions: The study conclusion that the behaviour was affected at moderate level. The results recommend offering adolescents with hemoglobinopathies an education program to enable self-management and provide them enough knowledge of the disease to avoid complications and make life plans.
Multiple hybridization events and repeated evolution of homoeologue expression bias in parthenogenetic, polyploid New Zealand stick insects
Authors: Choi Seung-Sub , Cartney Ann Mc , Park Duckchul , Roberts Hester , Brav-Cubitt Talia , Mitchell Caroline , Buckley Thomas
Published: October 2023

During hybrid speciation, homoeologues combine in a single genome.
Homoeologue expression bias (HEB) occurs when one homoeologue has higher
gene expression than another. HEB has been well characterized in plants
but rarely investigated in animals, especially invertebrates.
Consequently, we have little idea as to the role that HEB plays in
allopolyploid invertebrate genomes. If HEB is constrained by features of
the parental genomes, then we predict repeated evolution of similar HEB
patterns among hybrid genomes formed from the same parental lineages. To
address this, we reconstructed the history of hybridization between the
New Zealand stick insect genera Acanthoxyla and Clitarchus using a
high-quality genome assembly from Clitarchus hookeri to call variants
and phase alleles. These analyses revealed the formation of three
independent diploid and triploid hybrid lineages between these genera.
RNA sequencing revealed a similar magnitude and direction of HEB among
these hybrid lineages, and we observed that many enriched functions and
pathways were also shared among lineages, consistent with repeated
evolution due to parental genome constraints. In most lineages, a slight
majority of the genes involved in mitochondrial function showed HEB
towards the maternal homoeologues, consistent with only weak effects of
mitonuclear incompatibility. We also observed a proteasome functional
enrichment in most lineages and hypothesize this may result from the
need to maintain proteostasis in hybrid genomes. Reference bias was a
pervasive problem, and we caution against relying on HEB estimates from
a single parental reference genome.
Data Source Prioritization Flowchart for Process-based Plant Model Parametrization
Authors: Rojas Luis Vargas , Jamshidi Sajad , Wang Diane
Published: October 2023

Dynamic process-based plant models are computerized representations of
plant growth, development, and productivity that use measurements of
environmental and physiological processes as input data to make
predictions. However, the use of process-based models in phenotyping
programs still faces challenge to parameterization across multiple
genotypes, such as (1) the need for extensive and intensive datasets as
parameters for running simulations, many of which are obtained using
destructive and disruptive sampling, (2) the lack of systematic
approaches needed to parameterize across extensive collections of
genetically distinct, but often related, individuals that are typical of
breeding populations. Remote and proximal sensing are potential
alternative sources of data to inform parameters of process-based plant
models because they can provide fast and non-destructive estimations of
plant biophysical parameters across spatial and temporal scales. Over
the years, several approaches have been proposed to leverage sensing for
model parameterization, from simple empirical tuning to inverse modeling
approaches. Continued inquiry into how best to use remote and proximal
sensing data to estimate model parameters is critical to the future
scale-out of these models for breeding programs and simulating processes
that underlie complex genotype-by-environment interactions. Here, we
present a decision flowchart to provide a visual representation of the
sources and steps for process-based model parameterization that could be
used as a guide for researchers working with remote sensing data and
crop modeling across numerous genotypes.
Estimating Tree-level Yield of Citrus fruit using Multi-temporal using UAS datasets
Authors: Olaniyi Ismaila , Olaniyi I , Jung J , Enciso J , Mandadi K
Published: October 2023

In the quest to enhance citrus yield estimation, this study leverages
Multi-Temporal Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) datasets to develop a
refined tree-level yield estimation model. Conducted within a 2.22-acre
orchard in Weslaco, South Texas, the research integrates data from 56
citrus trees, utilizing RGB and Multispectral UAS imagery collected over
critical growth months from June to December (excluding July and August)
2022. The methodology encompasses the collection of UAS data processing
using some custom-developed algorithms and automated workflows and the
novel application of machine learning algorithms-namely, multiple linear
regression, gradient boosting regression, and random forest regression.
The study innovatively extracts 11 key phenotypic features, combining
tree canopy structural and spectral information to estimate yield with
increased accuracy. A significant advancement is proposed in the form of
an improved individual tree boundary delineation method. This method
addresses the inaccuracies of previous solid shape-based approaches,
contributing to more precise feature calculation and improved model
performance. Our experimental results indicate the single month whose
data is particularly predictive, with the Random Forest model
demonstrating robustness and consistency across temporal datasets. The
multi-temporal approach confirms that comprehensive data integration
yields superior estimation models. This ongoing research promises to
bridge the yield estimation gap and set a new standard in precision
agriculture methodologies.
Leaf to grains: predicting multiple morpho-physiological leaf to grain yield traits in sorghum from leaf-level hyperspectral reflectance
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Webster Brandon , Newton Linsey , Thompson Addie
Published: October 2023

Enhancing photosynthesis for increased sorghum grain yield has become a
key focus in sorghum breeding efforts. Phenotyping, involving the
measurement of various morpho-physiological and physical traits
associated with photosynthesis and grain yield, is a time-intensive
process. However, the potential of non-invasive leaf-level hyperspectral
imaging to swiftly detect plant performance, optimizing photosynthesis
and grain yield, is promising. This study aimed to evaluate the
feasibility of utilizing hyperspectral reflectance in the 350–950 nm
range for the rapid estimation of these traits in intact sorghum leaves.
Multiple machine learning regression algorithms were developed using
leaf-level hyperspectral reflectance data from nearly 400 sorghum
accessions within an association panel. The best-performing prediction
models were then considered as potential methods for constructing a
prediction model targeting multiple other physiological and yield traits
in sorghum accessions. The results indicate that this approach enables
the early detection of leaf photosynthetic and yield traits through
leaf-level hyperspectral reflectance without the need for a full-range,
high-cost leaf spectrometer.
Review on thermal conductivity of SiCf/SiC composites for nuclear applications
Authors: Guo Weina , Gao Yantao
Published: October 2023

Continuous silicon carbide fibre toughened silicon carbide composites (SiCf/SiC) are highly promising materials for nuclear reactor applications due to their low chemical activity, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, high energy conversion rate and good high temperature strength. However, the thermal conductivity requirements of nuclear reactors are difficult to meet in conventional SiCf/SiC composites. To improve the thermal conductivity of SiCf/SiC composites, many approaches to enhance the thermal conductivity of SiCf/SiC composites under nuclear reactor applications were firstly introduced. Further, the worldwide research process in this field has been reviewed. Finally, further development of the thermal conductivity research was discussed and prospected.
Synthesis and near-infrared reflection performance of (Cr,V)-ZrSiO4 jewel green pigments
Authors: Jiang Feng , Yu Junling , Feng Guo , Wang Tao , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Quan , Zhang Rongchi , Wu Qian , Hu Qing , Yu Yun , Liu Jianmin
Published: October 2023

Novel (Cr,V)-ZrSiO4 jewel green pigments were synthesized by in situ
mineralization at 900?C. The effects of Cr/Si molar ratio were investigated
via DTA-TG, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, UV-Vis-NIR, colorimeter and etc. The obtained
results referred that the colour of pigment exhibits blue to jewel green,
and then to dark green as the Cr/Si molar ratio increases from 0 to 0.4.
When the Cr/Si molar ratio is 0.2, the (Cr,V)-ZrSiO4 pigment exhibits a
jewel green hue (L* = 56.69, a* = ?18.52, b* = ?9.28), showing good
rendering performance. In addition, the obtained pigment shows good thermal
stability in the base glaze synthesized at 1200?C and near-infrared
reflection performance. The results of this study show great potential for
using the pigments for heat insulation.
Auditor Materiality Disclosures and Investor Trust: How to Address Conditional Risks of Disclosure Mandates
Authors: Festa Mackenzie M. , Jones Megan M. , Witz Patrick D.
Published: October 2023

This study contributes to the literature examining the benefits and costs associated with auditor quantitative materiality disclosures. We conduct an experiment to examine a conditional risk associated with such disclosures: that investors with heightened concerns about earnings management, a qualitative concern, will anchor too strongly to the quantitative threshold and lose trust in the audit. The experiment manipulates (1) whether investor concerns about earnings management are low or high and (2) whether auditors provide a quantitative materiality disclosure. We find that quantitative materiality disclosures mislead investors when they have high concerns about earnings management. Specifically, investors lose trust in the auditor’s ability to identify errors that are quantitatively small, but important from a qualitative perspective. A second experiment further suggests that auditors’ provision of detailed, rather than nominal, qualitative materiality disclosures can mitigate this conditional risk. Our study contributes to practice and literature on financial disclosure, materiality, and investor behavior.

Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request.
Increasing Social Determinants of Health Screening Rates Among Six Endocrinology Centers Across the United States: Results From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative
Authors: Odugbesan Ori , Wright Trevon , Jones Nana-Hawa Yayah , Dei-Tutu Selorm , Gallagher Mary Pat , DeWit Emily , Izquierdo Roberto E. , Desimone Marisa , Rioles Nicole , Ebekozien Osagie ,   T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative
Published: October 2023

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are strongly associated with outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes. Six centers in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative applied quality improvement principles to design iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to develop and expand interventions to improve SDOH screening rates. The interventions tested include staff training, a social risk index, an electronic health record patient-facing portal, partnerships with community organizations, and referrals to community resources. All centers were successful in improving SDOH screening rates, with individual site improvements ranging from 41 to 70% and overall screening across the six centers increasing from a baseline of 1% to 70% in 27 months.
Disparities in Continuous Glucose Monitor Use Between Children With Type 1 Diabetes Living in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Tilden Daniel R. , French Benjamin , Datye Karishma A. , Jaser Sarah S.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Despite evidence that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use is associated with lower HbA1c among children with type 1 diabetes, uptake of this technology remains lower among those with difficulty accessing health care, including those from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds and racial and ethnic minorities. In this study, we sought to explore the impact of rural location in use of CGM technology to guide patient and provider decision making.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective study of electronic health record demographic and visits data from a single diabetes program from 1 January 2018 through 31 December 2021, we compared the odds of completing a visit with (+) and without (−) CGM interpretation between rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) designations.

RESULTS

Among the 13,645 visits completed by 2,008 patients with type 1 diabetes younger than age 18 years, we found children living in small rural towns had 31% lower odds (6.3% of CGM+ visits, 8.6% of CGM− visits; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.94) and those living in isolated rural towns had 49% lower odds (2.0% of CGM+ visits, 3.4% of CGM− visits; aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92) of completing a CGM-billed clinic visit compared with those living in urban areas (70.0% of CGM+ visits, 67.2% of CGM− visits). We also found significant differences in CGM-billed visits by neighborhood deprivation as well as race/ethnicity and insurance payor.

CONCLUSIONS

Geographic location presents a meaningful barrier to access to care for patients living with type 1 diabetes. Further work is needed to identify and address the needs of children and families living in rural areas to improve the care of these patients.
Altın Fiyatlarındaki Değişimin Saklı Markov Modeli İle İncelenmesi
Authors: Akın Vargeloğlu Ayşenur , Özdemir Yaprak Arzu
Published: October 2023

Önemli yatırım araçlarından biri olan altın, piyasalar üzerindeki etkisi sebebiyle dünya çapında birçok yatırımcı tarafından takip edilmektedir. Bu sebeple altın fiyatlarının tahmini ve etkileyen faktörlerin belirlenmesi önemli problemlerden biridir. Bu çalışmada, altın fiyatlarındaki yüzdesel değişim oranı ve sebepleri saklı Markov modelleri ile tahmin edilmiştir. Bunun için 2013-2023 yılları arası altın, dolar, faiz ve enflasyon oranı verileri kullanılmıştır. Altın fiyatlarındaki yüzdesel değişim gözlemler olarak tanımlanırken, altın fiyatlarını etkileyen dolar, faiz ve enflasyon oranlarından mümkün 18 saklı durum elde edilmiştir. Saklı Markov modeli birinci temel probleminin çözümünde ileri yön algoritması kullanılmıştır. Bu algoritma ile 2 aylık dönemlerde karşılaşılacak gözlem dizisi olasılıkları hesaplanmıştır. Bu dönemde altın fiyatlarındaki yüzdesel değişimin 0,5’ten büyük olması olasılığı %23,6 olarak bulunmuştur. Gözlem dizilerini en iyi açıklayan saklı durumlar Viterbi algoritması ile incelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar gerçek veriler ile karşılaştırdığında yüksek doğruluk oranlarının elde edildiği gözlenmiştir.
Effects of Flow Experience on Impulse Buying Intent: An Application in E-Retailing
Authors: Sağtaş Saadet
Published: October 2023

With today's digital transformation, consumer habits have changed, and online shopping has become widespread. E-retail sites influence consumers' impulse buying behavior, defined as buying behavior with a sense of instant excitement and predominantly strong impulses. In online consumer behavior, the flow experience has attracted attention as a factor in recent years. The purpose of this study, which focuses on online consumer behavior, is to determine the impact of flow theory on online impulse buying. At the same time, examining the moderating role of customer satisfaction on flow and online impulse buying behavior is also included in the scope of the study. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted with 283 volunteer participants over 18 who have shopped at least once on an e-retail site. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with SmartPLS 4 program. When the results obtained from the study are analyzed, it is determined that flow status significantly affects online impulse buying. On the other hand, it was determined that customer satisfaction did not have a regulatory role on flow and online impulse buying.
Türkiye’de Risk Yönetimi Bağlamında Afete Hazırlıkla İlgili Yazılan Lisansüstü Tezlerin İncelemesi
Authors: Öztürk Göksel
Published: October 2023

Afete hazırlık etkili bir afet planlamasının en kritik aşamalarından birisidir. Bu nedenle konu ile ilgili bilimsel çalışmaların yapılması önemlidir. Bu bağlamda çalışma Türkiye’de risk yönetimi kapsamında afete hazırlıkla ilgili yazılan lisansüstü tezlerin incelemesi amacıyla gerçekleştirildi. Yüksek Öğretim Kurulunun (YÖK) tez arşivinde “Afete hazırlık”, “afetlere hazırlık” ve “afetlere hazıroluşluk” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak yapılan taramada dahil edilme kriterlerine uygun olan 54 tez çalışmaya alındı. Çalışmaların çoğunluğunun son 3 yılda, farklı örneklem gruplarında, tanımlayıcı araştırma türünde ve farklı ölçüm araçları kullanılarak gerçekleştirildiği belirlendi. Ayrıca tezlerin gerçekleştirilme amaçlarına bakıldığında en sık katılımcıların afete bireysel hazırlık düzeylerinin, afet hazırlık algısının, afet bilgi düzeylerinin ve birimlerin afete hazırlık düzeylerinin belirlenmesinin amaçlandığı görüldü. Amaçları doğrultusunda tezlerin sonuçlarına bakıldığında ise çalışmaların çoğunluğunda afete hazırlık düzeylerinin ortalama; afete hazırlık algı düzeylerinin yüksek bulunduğu; öğrencilerin ve hastane çalışanlarının afete yönelik bilgi düzeylerinin ortalamanın üzerinde bulunduğu görüldü. Ayrıca, birimlerin afete hazırlık düzeyleri yeterli değildi. Sonuç olarak son yıllarda afete hazırlık ile ilgili çalışmalar artış gösterse de hala yetersizdir. Bununla birlikte çalışmalardan elde edilen sonuçlara göre katılımcıların afete hazırlık, afete hazırlık bilgi ve algı düzeyleri ve birimlerin afete hazırlık düzeyleri istendik düzeyde değildir. Bu nedenle katılımcıların afete hazırlık düzeylerinin artırılmasına yönelik müdahale çalışmalarının yapılması ve birimlerin afete hazırlık konusundaki eksikliklerin belirlenerek giderilmesi önerilebilir.
Organización del sistema de rastreo para la identificación y seguimiento de casos y contactos: Estudio y manejo de casos y contactos en población general
Authors: López Moreno Paula , Sola Sara María Pilar , Ágreda Lizáldez Beatriz , Garza Larrea María , Cobos Pérez Carmen , Casado Buesa Itziar
Published: October 2023

El 30 de enero de 2020 la enfermedad COVID-19 fue declarada emergencia de salud pública internacional. El 31 de enero se confirmó el primer caso en España y casi un mes después, el 28 de febrero, se detectó el primer caso positivo en la Comunidad Foral de Navarra. Desde el inicio de los primeros casos de COVID-19 se visualizó el rastreo de casos y contactos como herramienta esencial de Salud Pública para trazar el rastro de contagios y romper la cadena de transmisión de la COVID-19. En el contexto de responder a las necesidades de todo tipo que generó la pandemia, el Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra (ISPLN) como responsable técnico y la Subdirección de Urgencias Extrahospitalarias a nivel operativo, emprendieron activamente la detección y rastreo de posibles casos y contactos por COVID-19 en mayo de 2020, dando inicio al rastreo poblacional. La evolución en olas de alta incidencia seguidas de periodos valle y la dificultad de disponer de profesionales de Enfermería complicaron el dimensionamiento y la composición del equipo de rastreo. Los diferentes procedimientos específicos según colectivos y sus continuas actualizaciones fueron una dificultad añadida que se palió en gran medida con la formación continua en las actualizaciones de la estrategia nacional de manejo de casos y contactos actualizada de rastreo, la realización de reuniones informativas diarias y la especialización del equipo. La creación de nuevas herramientas informáticas con acceso desde la historia clínica de Atención Primaria, la automatización de procesos, la coordinación interdepartamental y con todos los intervinientes en el proceso, fueron clave para el adecuado desarrollo del equipo rastreo.
La crisis sanitaria como una oportunidad de impulsar los procesos de comunicación
Authors: Iribarren Corera Jesús , Zabalza López Pedro , Lekumberri Jokin , Olza Andueza Idoia , Carmona Juanmartinena Luis
Published: October 2023

La COVID-19 ha sido una crisis sanitaria, pero con una vertiente comunicativa muy importante. Una comunicación que ha formado parte de la propia gestión sanitaria como sujeto en tanto a la importancia de la sensibilización e información servicio, pero que también ha sido objeto de un intenso seguimiento informativo por parte de medios de comunicación, redes sociales, otras entidades que operan en un complejo ecosistema comunicativo, institucional y social. En el centro del mismo se ha situado el gabinete del Departamento de Salud que, en colaboración con otras estructuras comunicativas del todo el Gobierno de Navarra, ha tenido que atender diferentes frentes y niveles comunicativos, desde la comunicación interna como la externa, local y estatal, peticiones de medios y solicitudes de ciudadanía, ayuntamientos partidos políticos, actores sociales etc. El esfuerzo, que ha convivido con otras áreas temáticas ordinarias (aquí también han coexistido lo Covid y lo no Covid) se ha prolongado durante más de dos años, obligando a los y las profesionales a realizar un esfuerzo continuado de adaptación y aprendizaje coherente con todo el del sistema sanitario del que forman parte. Este artículo repasa las diferentes fases, protagonistas, herramientas y formatos utilizados durante esta crisis sanitaria que ha sido una oportunidad comunicativa de la que también se extraen lecciones aprendidas. Entre ellas la necesidad de reforzar y estabilizar la estructura comunicativa del sistema sanitario hoy muy embrionaria, así como la constatación de la importancia de la comunicación en las políticas sanitarias, especialmente en las de salud pública.
Numerical Investigation of High Efficiency Cu₂SnSe₃ Thin Film Solar Cell with a Suitable ZnSe Buffer Layer Using SCAPS 1D Software
Authors: Biswas Sunirmal Kumar , Ahmed Md. Mostak , Orthe Mst. Farzana , Sumon Md. Shamsujjoha , Sarker Kushal
Published: October 2023

As the world’s energy demand continues to grow, thin-film solar cells are poised to play an increasingly important role in meeting that demand. In this research, we have proposed and simulated a high-efficiency Cu2SnSe3- based thin film solar cell structure using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) software. The numerical performance of Cu2SnSe3 thin films solar cell with ZnO:Al as the electron transport layer (ETL), ZnSe as the buffer layer, SnS as the hole transport layer (HTL), Ag as the front and Ni as the back contact with the structure (Ag/ZnO:Al/Cu2SnSe3/SnS/Ni) has been studied. This simulation intended to investigate the effect of the ZnO:Al electron transport layer and SnS hole transport layer on the performance of the proposed solar cell. The device was optimized concerning the thickness, temperature, series and shunt resistance, donor density of the Electron transport layer, back contact metal work function, and acceptor density of the Cu2SnSe3-based thin film solar cell. The thickness of the ETL, buffer, absorber, and HTL was optimized to 0.2 μm, 0.05 μm, 1.5 μm, and 0.1 μm, respectively. The proposed cadmium-free Cu2SnSe3 thin films solar cell exhibited a conversion efficiency of 31.04%, VOC of 1.08 V, JSC of 34.11 mA/cm2, and FF of 83.84%. As a result, due to its low cost, earth-abundant, non-toxicity, and high efficiency, the suggested Cu2SnSe3-based solar cell may be an attractive candidate for thin film solar cells.
Enhancing Effective Verbal Communication Between Radiologic Technologists and Patients: Assessing the Impact of Service Delivery in Hospitals of Dhaka City
Authors: Obayda Md. Abu , Ahmed Shahid , Parvin Tanzila , Muneem Muhtasim Aziz
Published: October 2023

Objective: Effective communication is crucial in the field of radiography as it holds significant importance in the practice. Radiologic technologists need to possess an understanding of both the physical and emotional requirements of patients. This understanding can be attained through proficient communication skills. Methodology: A qualitative research study was conducted in nearly fifteen private hospitals in Dhaka City in Bangladesh and 61 radiological technologists and 111 patients responds to this study. Result: The most important thing is, radiological technologist data showed there were 40 (65.6%) radiological technologists using protective shields for patients when taking radiographic exams and likewise Patients data showed there were 65 (58.6%) patients said that the radiological technologists were not using protective shields when taking radiographic exam. This is a contradictory issue of each other. It is due to a lack of awareness among professionals and patients and also due to a lack of supervision of the concerned authority. Conclusion: The study aimed to assess the extent of verbal communication occurring between radiological technologists and patients. It also sought to recognize the significance of patient care, ensuring patient safety, and determining priorities within diagnostic radiology departments.
Comportamiento sísmico de edificaciones con sótanos en la selva peruana, región Loreto
Authors: Pinedo García Amador , Soto Vasquez Duber Enrique
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si las edificaciones con sótanos, afectan al comportamiento sísmico, en edificaciones ubicadas en la Selva Peruana de la Región Loreto, con énfasis en la variación de esfuerzos en los pórticos principales, y la respuesta sísmica. Se analizó edificios de cinco (5) pisos de altura sin sótanos, y con tres distintos niveles de sótanos, 1, 2 y 3, ubicados en la Región Loreto, y sus Provincias. De acuerdo a sus condiciones sísmicas y geotécnicas de su área territorial. Los edificios fueron modelados en el programa computacional ETABS V2016. Los resultados referidos a la respuesta sísmica mostraron que la distribución de corte de piso en las edificaciones con sótanos fueron menores en promedio del 32.94% que las edificaciones que no presentaron sótanos, los momentos de volteo de piso en las edificaciones con sótanos fueron menores en promedio del 23.77% que las edificaciones que presentaron sótanos y las derivas de entrepiso en las edificaciones con sótanos fueron menores en promedio del 6.85% que las edificaciones que presentaron sótanos. Respecto a los esfuerzos principales, los sótanos disminuyeron los esfuerzos en las edificaciones, en 43.97% y 43.66% en los esfuerzos de corte y momentos flectores respectivamente. Las fuerzas en los elementos estructurales, la incorporación de las estructuras de sótanos disminuye las fuerzas. En los edificios de cinco pisos y tres niveles de sótanos, se incrementa la fuerza sísmica.
Judges’ Acceptance of Sharia-Inspired Laws in Indonesia
Authors: Kusmayanti Hazar , Kania Dede , Prasetyoningsih Nanik , Zainol Zinatul Ashiqin
Published: October 2023

It is fascinating how customary laws are accepted by judges in the Indonesian legal system. In Aceh, particularly, its customary law is inspired by sharia or Islamic law. In addition to the national law, this law also influences judges’ consideration in making their decisions. According to Van Den Berg’s theory of receptio in complexu, Islamic law has been recognized in Indonesian legal system as a customary law. This article tries to find out how judges accept sharia-inspired customary law to pass their decisions. The research used normative-legal method. Based on the research results, the author concluded the judge’s acceptance of customary law could be seen from a Sharia Court decision related to customary disputes. This decision was passed by the Takengon Sharia Court under No. 269/Pdt.G/2017/Ms-Tkn dated May 2, 2018. It concerned with the division of joint property. This decision referred to Islamic law in giving each party a half of the total assets after being deducted by the joint debts. This decision strengthened the foothold of Islamic law in customary law and national law enforcement, especially in Aceh Province. However, it would be a different case if the customary law was in conflict with Islamic law. In such a case, the panel of judges would not accept the customary law. An example of this was the case of adopted children. Rather than receiving an inheritance, as in the traditional parental communities, they would only receive a mandatory will. One of such decisions was the Aceh Sharia Court’s Decisions No. 125/Pdt.G/2011/MS and No.084/ Pdt.P/2016/MS.Bna.
JYNNEOS vaccine safety monitoring in the Republic of Korea, 2022: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Jaeeun , Kwon Seunghyun Lewis , Park Jinhee , Bae Hyuna , Lee Hyerim , Kwon Geun-Yong
Published: October 2023

Objectives: With the recent global mpox outbreak, the JYNNEOS vaccine (Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) was developed as a third-generation smallpox vaccine and initially favored for mpox immunization. Vaccine-associated side effects contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Consequently, tracking adverse events post-immunization is crucial for safety management. This study used data from the national active vaccine safety surveillance conducted in Korea from August 25 to November 24, 2022 to detect potential safety signals and adverse events. Methods: Data on health conditions following vaccination were gathered from web-based surveys and reported via active surveillance through the Immunization Registry Information System. This follow-up system functioned via a text message link, surveying adverse events and health conditions beginning on the second day post-vaccination. Information about specific adverse events, including both local and systemic reactions, was collected. Results: The study included 86 healthcare workers who had received at least 1 dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Among the respondents, 79.1% reported experiencing at least 1 adverse event, with the majority being local reactions at the injection site. The incidence of adverse events was higher following the first dose (67.9%) than after the second dose (34.4%). The most frequently reported adverse event for both doses was mild pain at the injection site. Conclusion: The study provides crucial information on the safety of the JYNNEOS vaccine, demonstrating that most adverse events were manageable and predominantly localized to the injection site. Nonetheless, additional research is needed on the safety of various vaccine administration techniques and the vaccine’s effects on broader demographics.
The correlation of water quality parameters over wireless sensors generated dataset in the Sitnica River in Kosovo
Authors: Ahmedi Figene , Makolli Shkumbin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the regression analysis technique is applied to a large water quality dataset for the Sitnica River in Kosovo. It has been done to assess the correlation between water quality parameters. The data are generated by a wireless sensors network deployed in Sitnica. A regression analysis is applied to four water quality parameters: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and electrical conductivity. The correlation between each pair of parameters has been assessed by using the WEKA software package, which is a popular time-saving tool for data analysis in distinct domains. The data are pre-processed to exclude out-of-range values and then the assessment of correlation for the pairs of parameters is applied. In comparison to other pairs of water quality parameters, the results show that dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity correlate particularly closely with temperature. Regression equations of these two pairs of parameters may provide inferred information on dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity about the Sitnica River. Such information may otherwise not be available to resource managers in Kosovo. Moreover, due to its easy to use and availability as an open-source software, WEKA may aid decision-makers on the management providing almost real-time information about surface water quality within the basin. This can be particularly useful especially in the case of continuous observation of water quality and a huge dataset gathered by using wireless sensors.
Towards a better understanding of self-selection to teacher training programmes: A case study of a renowned public university in Poland
Authors: Herbst Mikołaj , Zając Tomasz
Published: October 2023

It is difficult to achieve high-quality education without good teachers. Therefore, it is crucial to understand who decides to become a teacher. This study leverages a large-scale administrative dataset comprising detailed records of the educational trajectories of 10 cohorts of students at the University of Warsaw, the largest higher education institution in Poland, in order to investigate self-selection to the teaching profession and to learn whether it depends on the mode of teacher training and the student's primary field of studies. We find that the recruitment of students to the concurrent teacher training programme is characterised by adverse self-selection with respect to prior academic achievements. When it comes to consecutive programmes, pursued as an extension or specialisation within the major programme, the willingness of students to enroll in teacher training is related to their secondary school achievements, but also – and in a distinct way – to their early experience at the university. In the case of STEM and foreign language programmes, we observe adverse selection to teacher training with respect to either the student's pre-university academic outcomes or their achievements during the first year of university studies.
The evolution of folate supplementation – from one size for all to personalized, precision, poly-paths
Authors: He Qiangqiang , Li Jianping
Published: October 2023

Folate is a crucial nutrient that supports physiological functions. Low folate levels is a risk factor for several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and neural tube defects. The most used folate supplement is folic acid, a synthetic oxidative form, and folic acid grain fortification is a success story of public health. However, the metabolic conversion of folic acid to bioactive tetrahydrofolate requires several enzymes and cofactors. Therefore, these factors influence its bioavailability and efficacy. In contrast, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is used directly and participates in one-carbon metabolism, and the use of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate as an alternative folate supplement has increased. The metabolism of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is primarily dependent on the transmembrane transporter, reduced folate carrier (RFC), and the RFC gene SLC19A1 variant is a functional polymorphism that affects folate status indexes. Recent studies demonstrated that the expression of RFC and cystathionine β-synthase, another enzyme required for homocysteine clearance, increases significantly by supplementation with calcitriol (vitamin D3), suggesting that calcitriol intake promotes the bioavailability of folate and has synergistic effects in homocysteine clearance. The advancements in biomedical and cohort studies and clinical trials have enhanced our understanding of the critical roles of folate and the regulation of one-carbon metabolism. We anticipate that the field of folate supplementation is poised to evolve from one size for all to personalized, precision, poly-paths (3Ps), which is a critical measure to meet individual needs, maximize health benefits, and minimize side effects.
A newly-synthesized compound CP-07 alleviates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and ischemic brain injury via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Guo Mengdi , Cao Qian , Xia Shengnan , Cao Xiang , Chen Jian , Qian Yi , Bao Xinyu , Xu Yun
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Overactivated glial cells, especially microglia, are core components in the progression of pathologic neuroinflammation, and the application of anti-inflammatory reagents has been regarded as a potential therapy in the management of infarction/reperfusion (I/R) brain injury. This research aims to clarify the anti-inflammatory efect of a novel lipophilic compound N-(2-[4-tert-butylphenyl]-2-[pyrrolidine-1-yl]ethyl)-7-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxamide (named CP-07 in this study) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cell line and primary mouse microglia, and its therapeutic effect on I/R brain injury.

Method

Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to determine the maximal nontoxic dose of CP-07. The mRNA levels of representative proinflammatory cytokines were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction both in vitro and in vivo. TTC staining was performed to calculate infarct volumes while behavioral tests were used to assess the neurological deficits at 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining were performed to calculate the percentage of pro-inflammatory microglia in vivo.A selective JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor, AG490 was used to block STAT3 phosphorylation before the CP-07 anti-inflammation tests in vitro.

Results

CP-07 could effectively suppress the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS and TNF-α induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro, and markedly block the evaluation of the fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 in primary mouse microglia. In middle cerebral arteryocclusion models, intraperitoneal injection with 1 mg/kg CP-07 significantly reduced cerebral infarct volumes at 24 h after surgery compared with vehicle treatment group, and promoted the recovery of neurological functions in MCAO mice. Further studies validated that CP-07 administration reduced the percentage of CD86 positive microglia after I/R injury, and the expression level of p-STAT3 was also markedly reduced in both microglial cells and the penumbra tissues. Blocking STAT3 phosphorylation with AG490 could completely eliminate the anti-inflammatory effects of CP-07, at least in vitro.

Conclusion

We showed that a newly synthesized compound, CP-07, could effectively reduce the inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells and primary mouse microglia, and overproduction of cytokines in middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse models by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to a neuroprotective effect on I/R brain injury.
Challenges of Assessment in Ethics – Teachers’ reflections when assessing National Tests
Authors: Osbeck Christina , Franck Olof , Lilja Annika , Lindskog Annika
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to identify and discuss challenges in assessing pupils’ knowledge in Ethics. The background of the study is the development of the knowledge field Ethics, a part of Religious Education (RE) in Sweden which in the sixties went from being a Christian school subject to a pluralistic and non-confessional one. The knowledge field Ethics is, in this school context, marked by vagueness, due partly to its indistinct frames and partly to a duality in the aims represented in the directives of the curriculum. Methodologically, data was produced through a think-aloud study where six teachers assessed pupil-responses in Ethics within the National Test for RE. The teachers’ ongoing assessments were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed in a qualitative text analysis that focused on different kinds of challenges that the teachers experienced. Since this kind of study has not been conducted before, the analyses were explorative and, rather than being theory guided, were guided by the aim and the research question of the study. The findings show three groups of challenges related to the assessment processes. The first group of challenges concerns interpretations of the assessment instructions, the second regards competing ideas about what students should be given credit for during assessment in Ethics and the third is about being positioned between the pupils’ need for good grades and the task of differentiating between students. The discussion distinguishes between general challenges in assessment and challenges related to Ethics and its partly unclear character in the RE school context. In such a situation when the construction of a knowledge field is vague, the influence of national tests can be assumed to be considerable and the need for research regarding different conceptions of ethical competence is therefore urgent.
Bedömnings-, dokumentationspraktiker och pedagogiska identiteter
Authors: Andreasson Ingela , Asplund Carlsson Maj , Dovemark Marianne
Published: October 2023

When competition and an increasing level of marketisation characterises school life, the number of evaluations and the level of control has grown out of proportion. Through comparisons, assessments and ranking systems, also called ‘the terrors of performativity’ according to Ball (2003) commercial agents have gained influence over practices of assessment and documentation within the education system. Increased demands on pupils’ and parents’ participation and a belief that written documentation will lead to better results has caused an extensive use of different web based tools like Unikum. With the point of departure in a collected material of more than a hundred Individual Educations Plans (IEP) where commercial web based tools have been used, we make an analysis with Basil Bernstein’s (1996, 2000) concepts Pedagogic Identity, and Instructional and Regulative discourse in relation to expectations and constructions manifest in the plans. The results show that all four identities are expressed in the plans however, with an emphasis on a neo-liberal identity. We discuss the results in relation to the instructional and regulative discourses. The conclusion is that the tools both shape and determine possible identities and possible discourses in the web based interaction between children, parents and teachers.
IUP i Praktiken: En skolreforms formande i skärningspunkten mellan yttre styrning och professionell autonomi
Authors: Hirsh Åsa
Published: October 2023

The present study aims to deepen the knowledge about how teachers’ work with individual development plans (IDPs) is shaped at the intersection of national and local governance on the one hand and teachers’ professional autonomy on the other. The conceptual points of departure are mainly taken from Wartofsky’s distinction between primary, secondary and tertiary artifacts, Latour’s conceptual pair inscription - translation, and the activity theoretical understanding of contradictions and dilemmas. Methodologically, the study is based on qualitative content analysis of material based interviews with five teachers from each of the three school stages: primary, intermediate, and secondary stage (in total 15 teachers). Through the analysis of how IDPs are understood and used by teachers, a picture emerges of the complexity that is involved when a school reform takes shape in different local contexts. The results show that IDP work on the one hand is shaped by the aims that teachers perceive that they need to achieve by using the IDP tool, on the other hand by the contextual conditions framing their work, particularly in terms of external control vs. autonomy. Further in-depth analysis also indicates that teachers’ work with IDPs takes shape in relation to various dilemma management strategies related to time/workload, scope/complexity of document content, and the fact that IDPs are to fulfil summative as well as formative assessment purposes. Teachers’ emerging IDP work is discussed in the light of international studies that in similar ways point to the contextual/ organizational conditions as contributing to creating concrete assessment and instructional practices.