bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Older people will die of old age. I’ll die of climate change”: engaging children and young people in climate decision making for public health
Authors: Arnot Grace , Thomas Samantha , Pitt Hannah , McCarthy Simone , Warner Elyse
Published: July 2024

Background

The climate crisis is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and future generations. While there are calls for children and young people’s engagement in climate decision making, current power structures limit their participation. This paper aimed to understand children’s perspectives about the impact of the climate crisis on their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to facilitate their greater engagement in decisions made about the climate crisis.

Methods

Online in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 28 children (aged 12–16 years) across Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were used to prompt discussion about how the climate crisis impacted their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to engage them in climate decision making. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from data. Images were analysed for ascribed meanings.

Results

First, participants stated that they and future generations will inherit the climate crisis from older generations, specifically decision makers. Second, they described a need to address a range of age-related barriers that limit children and young people’s engagement in climate decision making, including perceptions about their capabilities. Finally, they discussed strategies and mechanisms to embed children and young people’s perspectives within climate decision making, including at civic and political levels.

Conclusions

Children and young people have the right to be involved in decisions made about the climate crisis which significantly impact their futures, including their health and wellbeing. They argue for structural changes to embed their views in climate decision making, and describe a range of engagement strategies and mechanisms to structure their perspectives and knowledge with decision making processes. Furthermore, genuine involvement of children and young people in climate discussions must avoid youthwashing and tokenistic participation. The public health community can help address barriers to youth participation in climate action and should actively engage and collaborate with children and young people to facilitate their political and democratic influence over the climate crisis. This involves making room and creating an accessible seat at the decision making table to ensure their perspectives are embedded in climate decisions.
Hybrid teaching after COVID-19: advantages, challenges and optimization strategies
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Liu Jiangheng , Jia Shuwei , Hou Chunmei , Jiao Runsheng , Yan Yan , Ma Tengchuang , Zhang Ying , Liu Yanyan , Wen Haixia , Wang Yu-Feng , Zhu Hui , Liu Xiao-Yu
Published: July 2024

Background

In the post-pandemic era of higher education, hybrid teaching has emerged as a prevalent approach and is anticipated to persist as a defining trend in the future teaching reforms worldwide. However, despite its widespread adoption, certain limitations have become apparent. The objective of this study is to identify the genuine factors that impact students’ performance, explore strategies that teachers can employ to enhance their teaching effectiveness and enhance students’ academic self-efficacy.

Methods

The study was performed among undergraduate medical students enrolled in Physiology course at Harbin Medical University in 2020 and 2022. Since 2020, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, a hybrid teaching method based on an established offline teaching model called BOPPPS was implemented. A questionnaire was performed in both 2020 and 2022 to evaluate students’ satisfaction and efficiency of our hybrid teaching. A comparison was also carried out on the final examination scores of students majoring in Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy across the years 2020 to 2022.

Results

The final examination scores of students in 2022 were significantly lower than those in 2020 and 2021 both in Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy majors. There was also a decrease of the score in students of Clinical Pharmacy in 2021 compared to 2020. The questionnaire indicated that over half (52.0%) of the students in 2022 preferred offline teaching method, in contrast to 39.1% in 2020. There were obvious changes in students from 2020 to 2022 about the disadvantages of hybrid teaching, the improvement of students’ learning ability and the duration of students’ autonomous learning. Through cross statistical analysis, online learning styles, learning ability improvement and students’ learning burden have been identified as the primary factors influencing their preference for future teaching method.

Conclusions

Hybrid teaching is still a necessary trend in the future teaching reform base on its multiple advantages. However, in order to improve the teaching outcomes and foster students’ participation and learning initiatives, it is imperative to undertake additional reforms in the future teaching process.
New nurses’ practice environment, job stress, and patient safety attitudes: a cross-sectional study based on the job demands-resources model
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Ming , Xu Tao , Wang Kangyue , Huang Liebin , Zhang Xiancui
Published: July 2024

Background

Patient safety is paramount for all healthcare agencies. Health professionals' lack of patient safety competencies threaten patients’ lives, and increase patients, families, hospitals, and social burdens. The new nurse-related patient safety issues have particularly attracted much attention. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of practice environment and job stress on new nurses' patient safety attitudes by employing the job demands–resources model.

Methods

The study used a cross-sectional structural equation modeling (SEM). A convenience sample of 370 new nurses was recruited from seven tertiary hospitals in Anhui province, China, from April 2022 to August 2022. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires including the Chinese version of the Nurse Job Stressors Scale, the Practice Environment Scale, and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire.

Results

New nurses' patient safety attitudes scores were moderate (126.99 ± 14.39). Practice environment had a significant direct effect on job stress (β = -0.337, t = 6.120), patient safety attitudes (β = 0.604, t = 13.766), practice environment had an indirect effect on patient safety attitudes through job stress (β = 0.066, t = 3.690), and the indirect effect accounted for 9.9% of the total effect. This model was able to explain 48.3% of patient safety attitudes with moderate prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the importance of improving new nurses' attitudes toward patient safety. Hospital administrators should develop policies and strategies to address job characteristics, and establish a favorable work environment to reduce new nurses' job stress as well as to improve patient safety.
Outcomes of deep venous thrombosis management and associated factors among patients in tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Birhane Seble , Beyene Melak Gedamu , Tadesse Fishatsion , Baye Assefa Mulu
Published: July 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are the two most important manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT remains a significant condition since associated morbidity is significant and has elevated healthcare-related costs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among DVT patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Zewditu Memorial Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College on follow-up from July 1, 2017, to July 01, 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, types of DVT, laboratory findings, medications, risk factors of DVT, complications and outcomes of DVT were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of DVT recurrence and major bleeding. A P value < 0.05 was considered to identify significant predictors.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 45.2 years, with SD of 15.36. The major causes of DVT included immobilization (29.9%), previous surgery (27.5%) and cancer (21.1%). The DVT recurrence rate was 22.5%. Nine (2.2%) of the participants died, and 19.9% developed complications. Bilateral DVT (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.8, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.14, 6.66), obesity (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.15, 9.59), hypertension (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.90, 14.70) and retroviral infection (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.34, 16.94) were predictors of recurrent DVT. Nineteen (4.7%) patients had major bleeding, and patients with bilateral DVT, active cancer and terminal age had an increased risk of major bleeding.

Conclusions

The overall DVT recurrence rate was alarmingly high and further complicated by PE, post thrombotic syndrome and chronic vein insufficiency, resulting in a 2.2% death rate. Major bleeding after DVT and PE remained high. Close monitoring should be performed for patients with advanced age, active cancer, bilateral DVT, retroviral infection, obesity and hypertension to prevent the recurrence of DVT and major bleeding.
Associations between the choroid plexus and tau in Alzheimer’s disease using an active learning segmentation pipeline
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Hu Yueqin , Xu Yunzhi , Feng Xue , Meyer Craig H. , Dai Weiying , Zhao Li ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2024

Background

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), primarily generated by the choroid plexus (ChP), is the major carrier of the glymphatic system. The alternations of CSF production and the ChP can be associated with the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present work investigated the roles of the ChP in the AD based on a proposed ChP image segmentation pipeline.

Methods

A human-in-the-loop ChP image segmentation pipeline was implemented with intermediate and active learning datasets. The performance of the proposed pipeline was evaluated on manual contours by five radiologists, compared to the FreeSurfer and FastSurfer toolboxes. The ChP volume and blood flow were investigated among AD groups. The correlations between the ChP volume and AD CSF biomarkers including phosphorylated tau (p-tau), total tau (t-tau), amyloid-β42 (Aβ42), and amyloid-β40 (Aβ40) was investigated using three models (univariate, multiple variables, and stepwise regression) on two datasets with 806 and 320 subjects.

Results

The proposed ChP segmentation pipeline achieved superior performance with a Dice coefficient of 0.620 on the test dataset, compared to the FreeSurfer (0.342) and FastSurfer (0.371). Significantly larger volumes (p < 0.001) and higher perfusion (p = 0.032) at the ChP were found in AD compared to CN groups. Significant correlations were found between the tau and the relative ChP volume (the ChP volume and ChP/parenchyma ratio) in each patient groups and in the univariate regression analysis (p < 0.001), the multiple regression model (p < 0.05 except for the t-tau in the LMCI), and in the step-wise regression model (p < 0.021). In addition, the correlation coefficients changed from − 0.32 to − 0.21 along with the AD progression in the multiple regression model. In contrast, the Aβ42 and Aβ40 shows consistent and significant associations with the lateral ventricle related measures in the step-wise regression model (p < 0.027).

Conclusions

The proposed pipeline provided accurate ChP segmentation which revealed the associations between the ChP and tau level in the AD. The proposed pipeline is available on GitHub (https://github.com/princeleeee/ChP-Seg).
Bi-institutional analysis of microbiological spectrum and therapeutic management of parotid abscesses
Authors: Mayer Marcel , Esser Julia , Walker Sarah Victoria , Shabli Sami , Lechner Axel , Canis Martin , Klussmann Jens Peter , Nachtsheim Lisa , Wolber Philipp
Published: July 2024

Background

A parotid abscess (PA) is a complication of an acute bacterial parotitis with a potentially life-threatening course. To date, data on the diagnosis and therapy of PA is sparse and mostly consists of case reports or case series. Therefore, this study aimed at comprehensively analyzing the microbiological spectrum and the therapeutic management in a bi-institutional setting.

Methods

A retrospective clinical chart review was performed to identify all patients surgically treated for PA at two tertiary care centers in Germany. Data on demographics, clinical management and microbiological data including species identification, pathogenicity, type of antibiotic therapy, adjustment of antibiotics, antibiotic sensitivity testing, and smear test results were extracted. Intervention-related variables and etiology were analyzed for their statistical association with outcome variables.

Results

Overall, 85 patients were included. Most patients (92.9%) underwent surgical incision. Around half of the patients (45.9%) were treated under local anesthesia. No facial nerve palsy was observed. The most frequently detected pathogens were Streptococci (n = 23), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6) including one case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Most patients (68.2%) received an aminopenicillin ± beta-lactamase inhibitor as empiric antibiotic therapy. In 6 cases the antibiotic therapy was modified after receiving the antibiogram. Four patients (5.2%) presented with recurrent PA. Etiology was idiopathic (42.4%), followed by tumorous (12.9%), obstructive, and immunosuppressive (each 11.8%). Patients with a dental focus (p = 0.007) had a longer duration of hospitalization.

Conclusion

The results show that the surgical therapy of PA under local anesthesia is safe. A dental examination should routinely be performed to rule out a dental focus. Obtaining a microbiological specimen in order to modify antibiotic therapy if necessary and a histopathological specimen to rule out a tumorous etiology is obligate.
Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and feasible for multiple primary lung cancers
Authors: Yang Libing , Guo Chao , Zhang Ye , Jiang Huizhen , Ma Lian , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing
Published: July 2024

Background

The treatment for bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (MPLC) remains challenging. Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may be an optimal treatment with curative intent, but its safety and feasibility are controversial.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-eight patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral VATS (simultaneous group) and 79 who underwent two-staged bilateral VATS (two-staged group) were included in this study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

The majority of patients were female and non-smokers. The most common surgical plan was lobectomy and contralateral wedge resection in both groups. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the simultaneous groups and two-staged group (13.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.73). Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had shorter hospital stays, shorter anesthesia time and less chest drainage compared with those who underwent two-staged resection. Advanced TNM stage, complicated surgical plan and aggressive lymph node resection were risk factors for postoperative complications in simultaneous bilateral VATS. Patients in two groups had similar overall survival and disease free survival (p = 0.2).

Conclusions

Simultaneous bilateral VATS for bilateral lung nodule resection is as safe and feasible as two-staged bilateral VATS. Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had similar or even better outcomes compared to that of the two-staged group. Simultaneous bilateral VATS is potentially an optimal treatment option for patients with erarly cTNM stage and good physical condition.
The impact of Paclitaxel-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients - interim analysis of safety and immediate efficacy of a randomized control trial (C-HOC trial)
Authors: Wang Qun , Liu Hua , Shen Yuhong , Shen Lifei , Li Jian , Feng Weiwei
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study evaluates the potential superiority of combining paclitaxel-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with sequential intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy over intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in Chinese patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC, IVA and IVB high-grade serous ovarian/fallopian tube carcinoma (HGSOC). This interim analysis focuses on the safety and immediate efficacy of both regimens to determine the feasibility of the planned trial (C-HOC Trial).

Methods

In a single-center, open-label, randomized control trial, FIGO stage IIIC, IVA, and IVB HGSOC patients (FAGOTTI score ≥ 8 during laparoscopic exploration) unsuitable for optimal cytoreduction in primary debulking surgery (PDS) were randomized 2:1 during laparoscopic exploration. The Experiment Group (HIPEC Group) received one cycle of intraperitoneal neoadjuvant laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (paclitaxel) followed by three cycles of intravenous chemotherapy (paclitaxel plus carboplatin), while the Control Group received only three cycles of intravenous chemotherapy. Both groups subsequently underwent interval debulking surgery (IDS). The adverse effects of chemotherapy, postoperative complications, and pathological chemotherapy response scores (CRS) after IDS were compared.

Results

Among 65 enrolled patients, 39 HIPEC Group and 21 Control Group patients underwent IDS. Grade 3–4 chemotherapy-related adverse effects were primarily hematological with no significant differences between the two groups. The HIPEC Group exhibited a higher proportion of CRS 3 (20.5% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.000). R0 resection rates in IDS were 69.2% (HIPEC Group) and 66.7% (Control Group). R2 resection occurred in 2.6% (HIPEC Group) and 14.3% (Control Group) cases. No reoperations or postoperative deaths were reported, and complications were managed conservatively.

Conclusions

Combining HIPEC with IV NACT in treating ovarian cancer demonstrated safety and feasibility, with no increased chemotherapy-related adverse effects or postoperative complications. HIPEC improved tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, potentially enhancing progression-free survival (PFS). However, the final overall survival results are pending, determining if HIPEC combined with IV NACT is superior to IV NACT alone.
Experimental Study on Properties of Graphene and Hollow Glass Powder-Added Ultra-High Strength Concrete
Authors: Park Young-Jun , Lee Hong-Sung , Seo Tae-Seok
Published: July 2024

A new ultra-high strength concrete, in which oxidized graphene nanoplatelet (GO) and hollow glass powder (HGP) are added, has been developed by authors. This paper presents the material properties of the concrete such as workability, compressive and tensile strengths, internal micro structure (SEM and MIP) as well as air-tightness which was tested using an equipment developed in this study. Test results show that workability and tensile strength significantly increase by a small addition of HGP, and that cGO (GO product of company c) and HGP are well dispersed without agglomeration effect, resulting in more than 20% of reduction in porosity. It is also observed that air-tightness increases by 40% compared with conventional ultra-high strength concrete due to reduction in porosity; thus, new ultra-high strength concrete is anticipated to be effectively used for structures that requires air-tightness such as hyperloop tube. Consequently, it was observed that the workability and mechanical properties of UHSC were increased when cGO and HGP were used instead of silica fume (SF), and authors believe that utilization of new material would contribute to the change in manufacturing method and increase in mechanical properties of concrete.
Evaluation of surface response of SiC and fly ash-filled Prosopis juliflora fibre-reinforced epoxy composites under dry sliding wear conditions using Taguchi method
Authors: Thirupathi Suresh , Solai Ayyappan , Pitchumani Shenbaga Velu , Gopalan Venkatachalam , Mallichetty Elango
Published: July 2024

Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibre-reinforced polymer composites are fabricated with fly ash and SiC as fillers with different weight percentages. Jute layers are also sandwiched for added strength in the structure. The wear behaviour is found for the prepared composition of samples. Pin-on-disc wear testing apparatus is used for the wear performance along with the design of experiments approach using orthogonal arrays of Taguchi’s. The effect of the input parameters (load, sliding velocity, speed) is studied on wear resistance. The experimental design creates sliding wear evaluations based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array to identify the most dominating factors influencing the wear rate. This study demonstrates that the most important component affecting the sliding wear rate of the composite materials is followed by the sliding velocity, speed, and load. The result of the wear rate decreases with an increase in filler content and also increases with sliding velocity. The samples with fly ash and SiC fillers reportedly seemed to have the best wear rates.
Clinical Validation of Mathematically Derived Early Tumor Dynamics for Solid Tumors in Response to Durvalumab
Authors: Li Qin , Cristini Vittorio , Gupta Ashok , Achour Ikbel , Barrett J. Carl , Koay Eugene J.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Early prediction of response to immunotherapy may help guide patient management by identifying resistance to treatment and allowing adaptation of therapies. This analysis evaluated a mathematical model of response to immunotherapy that provides patient-specific prediction of outcome using the initial change in tumor size/burden from baseline to the first follow-up visit on standard imaging scans.

METHODS

We applied the model to 600 patients with advanced solid tumors who received durvalumab in Study 1108, a phase I/II trial, and compared outcome prediction performance versus size-based criteria with RECIST version 1.1 best overall response (BOR), baseline circulating tumor (ct)DNA level, and other clinical/pathologic predictors of immunotherapy response.

RESULTS

In multiple solid tumors, the mathematical parameter representing net tumor growth rate at the first on-treatment computed tomography (CT) scan assessed around 6 weeks after starting durvalumab ( α1) had a concordance index to predict overall survival (OS) of 0.66-0.77 on multivariate analyses. This measurement of early tumor dynamics significantly improved multivariate OS models that included standard RECIST v1.1 criteria, baseline ctDNA levels, and other clinical/pathologic factors in predicting OS. Furthermore, α1 was assessed consistently at the first on-treatment CT scan, whereas all traditional RECIST BOR groups were confirmed only after this time.

CONCLUSION

These results support further exploring α1 as an integral biomarker of response to immunotherapy. This biomarker may be predictive of further benefit and can be assessed before RECIST response groups can be assigned, potentially providing an opportunity to personalize oncologic management.
Navigated Intraoperative Ultrasound Offers Effective and Efficient Real-Time Analysis of Intracranial Tumor Resection and Brain Shift
Authors: West Timothy R. , Mazurek Mercy H. , Perez Nicole A. , Razak Shahaan S. , Gal Zsombor T. , McHugh Jeffrey M. , Choi Bryan D. , Nahed Brian V.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Neuronavigation is a fundamental tool in the resection of intracranial tumors. However, it is limited by its calibration to preoperative neuroimaging, which loses accuracy intraoperatively after brain shift. Therefore, surgeons rely on anatomic landmarks or tools like intraoperative MRI to assess the extent of tumor resection (EOR) and update neuronavigation. Recent studies demonstrate that intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) provides point-of-care imaging without the cost or resource utilization of an intraoperative MRI, and advances in neuronavigation-guided iUS provide an opportunity for real-time imaging overlaid with neuronavigation to account for brain shift. We assessed the feasibility, efficacy, and benefits of navigated iUS to assess the EOR and restore stereotactic accuracy in neuronavigation after brain shift.

METHODS:

This prospective single-center study included patients presenting with intracranial tumors (gliomas, metastasis) to an academic medical center. Navigated iUS images were acquired preresection, midresection, and postresection. The EOR was determined by the surgeon intraoperatively and compared with the postoperative MRI report by an independent neuroradiologist. Outcome measures included time to perform the iUS sweep, time to process ultrasound images, and EOR predicted by the surgeon intraoperatively compared with the postoperative MRI.

RESULTS:

This study included 40 patients consisting of gliomas (n = 18 high-grade gliomas, n = 4 low-grade gliomas, n = 4 recurrent) and metastasis (n = 18). Navigated ultrasound sweeps were performed in all patients (n = 83) with a median time to perform of 5.5 seconds and a median image processing time of 29.9 seconds. There was 95% concordance between the surgeon's and neuroradiologist's determination of EOR using navigated iUS and postoperative MRI, respectively. The sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 94%.

CONCLUSION:

Navigated iUS was successfully used for EOR determination in glioma and metastasis resection. Incorporating navigated iUS into the surgical workflow is safe and efficient and provides a real-time assessment of EOR while accounting for brain shift in intracranial tumor surgeries.
Innovative vibration absorbers and metamaterials for low-frequency wave mitigation
Authors: Καλδερών Μωρίς
Published: July 2024

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η θεωρητική και πειραματική διερεύνηση μέσων για τον μετριασμό δονήσεων και του χαμηλόσυχνου θορύβου, αξιοποιώντας καινοτόμα δυναμικά συστήματα απορρόφησης ταλαντώσεων, καθώς και τις δυναμικές ιδιότητες των μεταϋλικών. Συγκεκριμένα, προτείνονται νέα συστήματα παθητικής μόνωσης αρνητικής δυσκαμψίας και περιοδικές διατάξεις, με στόχο τον σχεδιασμό νέων, και την αναβάθμιση συμβατικών ηχοαπορροφητικών πετασμάτων. Επιπλέον, εξετάζονται οι δυνατότητες διαφόρων μηχανισμών δυναμικής ενίσχυσης με σκοπό τη βελτίωση των ιδιοτήτων ηχομείωσης ακουστικών μεταϋλικών και φωνονικών κρυστάλλων σε εφαρμογές ελέγχου θορύβου και χαμηλόσυχνων κραδασμών. Με στόχο την αντιμετώπιση πολλών από τις ανεπάρκειες των συμβατικών παθητικών μέσων ελέγχου θορύβου και ταλαντώσεων, ιδίως στη περιοχή χαμηλών συχνοτήτων, εισάγεται ο βελτιωμένος ταλαντωτής KDamper. Ο KDamper είναι ένα καινοτόμο σύστημα παθητικής μόνωσης ταλαντώσεων και απόσβεσης, βασισμένο στον βέλτιστο συνδυασμό στοιχείων στιβαρότητας, συμπεριλαμβανομένου και ενός στοιχείου αρνητικής στιβαρότητας. Ο σχεδιασμός των συστημάτων με βάση τον KDamper βασίζεται σε πρόβλημα βελτιστοποίησης βασισμένο σε τεχνικά κριτήρια, ανάλογα με την εκάστοτε κατασκευή. Συγκεκριμένα, στην παρούσα έρευνα, συνδυάζεται με τον μηχανισμό αδρανειακής ενίσχυσης (IAM) με στόχο την ανάπτυξη βάσεων στήριξης ακουστικών πετασμάτων. Ο συζευγμένος μηχανισμός KDamper-IAM στη συνέχεια υιοθετείται σε περιοδικές διατάξεις οι οποίες παρουσιάζουν ζώνες μερικού η πλήρους εξασθένισης της διάδοσης του ήχου σε συγκεκριμένα εύρη συχνοτήτων (bandgaps). Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, προτείνονται υλοποιήσεις για την κατασκευή πετασμάτων τύπου σάντουιτς οι οποίες αξιολογούνται χρησιμοποιώντας τόσο αναλυτικές όσο και αριθμητικές αναλύσεις. Στη συνέχεια, παρουσιάζεται ένας νέος δυναμικός ενισχυτής κατεύθυνσης, ο μηχανισμός DDA, ως μέσο για την τεχνητή αύξηση της μάζας συντονισμού ενός ταλαντωτή, χωρίς την απαίτηση πολύπλοκων γεωμετριών. Ο μηχανισμός αποτελείται από έναν απλό, άκαμπτο σύνδεσμο που αυξάνει την αδράνεια προς την επιθυμητή κατεύθυνση κίνησης, περιορίζοντας τους κινηματικούς βαθμούς ελευθερίας της μάζας συντονισμού. Με τον τρόπο αυτό ο ταλαντωτής αναγκάζεται να κινηθεί μέσω μιας προδιαγεγραμμένης διαδρομής. Εν προκειμένω, ο μηχανισμός DDA εφαρμόζεται στη βάση φωνονικών κρυστάλλων και σε τοπικά συντονισμένα μεταϋλικά ως μέσο ενίσχυσης της αδράνειας των στοιχείων τους. Τα αναλυτικά, αριθμητικά και πειραματικά αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν σημαντικές βελτιώσεις και πλεονεκτήματα σε σχέση με τις αντίστοιχες συμβατικές περιοδικές δομές, όπως ευρύτερες ζώνες περιορισμού της διάδοσης του κύματος και αυξημένο λόγο απόσβεσης. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται ο σχεδιασμός ενός σεισμικού μεταϋλικού για την προστασία κατασκευών έναντι επιφανειακών κυμάτων και διερευνάται η απόκριση του υπό σεισμική διέγερση. Τα αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν τον ευεργετικό ρόλο της διάταξης και του μηχανισμού DDA, τοποθετώντας έτσι την ιδέα ως μια επιτακτική εναλλακτική λύση στις υπάρχουσες τεχνολογίες.
Statistical data transformation in agrarian sciences for variance analysis: a systematic review
Authors: Nascimento Jhennifer , Silva Jonas , Cupertino Bernardes Rodrigo , Costa Guilherme , Emiliano Paulo
Published: July 2024

In statistical analyses, a common practice for enhancing the validity of variance analysis is the application of data transformation to convert measurements into a different mathematical scale. This technique was first employed in 1898 by Edgeworth and remains relevant in current scientific publications despite the proliferation of more modern and advanced techniques that obviate the need for certain assumptions. Data transformations, when appropriately used, can make the model error terms approximate a normal distribution. It is also possible to use the technique to correct the heterogeneity of variances or to render an additive model, ensuring the validity of the analysis of variances. Given that this technique can be hastily applied, potentially leading to erroneous or invalid results, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies in the field of agrarian sciences that utilized data transformations for the validation of analysis of variances. The aim was to check the transformations employed by the scientific community, the motivation behind their use, and to identify possible errors and inconsistencies in applying the technique in publications. In this study, we identified shortcomings and misconceptions associated with using this method, and we observed incomplete and inadequate utilization of the technique in 94.28 % of the analysed sample, resulting in misguided and erroneous conclusions in scientific research outcomes.
Promoting physical activity and healthy diets by modifying the social and/or physical environment at local level: a scoping review of evidence-based policy actions.
Authors: Chilet Rosell Elisa , Puig García Marta , Lumbreras Blanca , Pastor Valero María , Hernández Aguado Ildefonso , Parker Lucy Anne
Published: July 2024

Background We aimed to map evidenced-based policy actions proposed by public health institutes or organizations to promote physical activity and healthy diets by modifying the social and/or physical environment at the local level. Methods We conducted a scoping review to identify relevant evidence-based policy actions proposed by public health institutions. We used a two-step strategy to identify government-supported public health institutes or organizations that generate evidence-based recommendations for policy actions. We included policy actions if they 1) aimed at increasing physical activity or improving diet; 2) focused on modifying the physical or social environments; 3) were implemented at the local or community level; 4) were expressed as a concrete action rather than a general aim; and 5) were described explicitly as being based on evidence. Results Starting from 121 public health institutes, we identified 8 relevant organizations and reviewed 63 guidelines or reports that included actions to promote healthy diets and physical activity. Of the 540 proposed actions on diet and 358 on physical activity, 118 met the inclusion criteria. Given that many of the actions were recommended by multiple institutes, we synthesized the information in the infographics to provide recommendations on diet and physical activity in outdoor and indoor settings and schools. Conclusions Public health institutes have generated a wide range of evidence-based recommendations for the promotion of healthy diets and physical activity by modifying the physical and social environment that can be implemented in local settings. Future actions should address barriers to implementing these recommendations and analyze the determinants of local policy decisions.
Analytical psychotherapy in the treatment of oncological patients. A case study.
Authors: Olczyk Magdalena
Published: July 2024

W Polsce psychoterapia psychoanalityczna jest stosunkowo rzadko proponowana pacjentom cierpiącym na choroby onkologiczne. Istnieje wiele czynników wpływających na ten stan rzeczy, w tym ograniczenia czasowe leczenia terapeutycznego w systemie ochrony zdrowia, większa dostępność innych form pomocy oraz specyfika pracy z osobami chorującymi somatycznie. Dostępna literatura polska i zagraniczna zarówno na temat psychoanalitycznego podejścia do pacjentów z chorobami somatycznymi, jak również skupiająca się na pracy psychoanalitycznej z pacjentami onkologicznymi, jest ograniczona. Psychoterapia psychoanalityczna może być jednym z narzędzi, które pomogą pacjentom radzić sobie z trudnościami, z jakimi stoją w obliczu choroby, ale też pozwala na lepsze i bardziej świadome życie po chorobie. Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie wybranych obszarów pracy terapeutycznej z pacjentem onkologicznym na przykładzie klinicznym. W artykule przedstawiono, w jaki sposób terapia skupiająca się na eksploracji nieświadomości pacjentów może wpłynąć na proces leczenia. Zwrócono uwagę na zaprzeczony w obliczu choroby lęk przed śmiercią.
Modeling the Risk of In-Person Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Brian , Zhang Yujia , Henderson Shane G. , Shmoys David B. , Frazier Peter I.
Published: July 2024

We use mathematical modeling and simulation to evaluate the safety of in-person instruction in university classrooms under different interventions. We find that, for the Delta variant of COVID-19, requiring masking when more than 90% of students are vaccinated is safe and easy to implement, without needing to assign fixed seats or improving the ventilation in classrooms. Our model supported Cornell University to safely conduct in-person instruction in fall 2021.
Order Independence in Sequential, Issue-by-Issue Voting
Authors: Gershkov Alex , Moldovanu Benny , Shi Xianwen
Published: July 2024

We study when the voting outcome is independent of the order of issues put up for vote in a spatial multidimensional voting model. Agents equipped with norm-based preferences that use a norm to measure the distance from their ideal policy vote sequentially and issue by issue via simple majority. If the underlying norm is generated by an inner product—such as the Euclidean norm—then the voting outcome is order independent if and only if the issues are orthogonal. If the underlying norm is a general one, then the outcome is order independent if the basis defining the issues to be voted upon satisfies the following property; for any vector in the basis, any linear combination of the other vectors is Birkhoff–James orthogonal to it. We prove a partial converse in the case of two dimensions; if the underlying basis fails this property, then the voting order matters. Finally, despite existence results for the two-dimensional case and for the general lp case, we show that nonexistence of bases with this property is generic.

Funding: The research of A. Gershkov is supported by the Israel Science Foundation [Grant 1118/22]. The research of B. Moldovanu is supported by the German Science Foundation through the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and The Collaborative Research Center Transregio 224. The research of X. Shi is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
The dynamic of intersected social categories in social interactions in a Brazilian psychosocial care center
Authors: Soares Roberta
Published: July 2024

The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform advocates non-asylum treatment for individuals diagnosed with severe or persistent mental disorders, which is conducted mainly by Psychosocial Care Centers. This study aims to understand the role of intersected social categories in social interactions among social actors in those institutions. This qualitative ethnographic research uses the technique of participant observation. For the theoretical framework, intersectionality theory was chosen, in combination with the concept of intersectional stigma to reflect on intersectional discrimination. Erving Goffman´s works are also used to evaluate how social categories are socially situated. In addition to power relations between staff members and patients, the study examined the intersection of social categories, including how the social actors involved tend to notice their oppressions, but not their privileges, that is, the oppressions of others. The researcher argues therefore that, within that institution, the intersected social categories influence the dynamic of social interactions and generate an even more unjust experience for the patients in the institution in question.
Editorial
Authors: A. S. Ruellas Eloísio
Published: July 2024

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with millions of people dying each year due to excess weight or obesity. Although the health sciences community has seemingly always been concerned with the health of the population and worked hard to identify conditions that affect human health and alleviate suffering, the contemporary pathologization of obesity, which has historically even been considered a sign of health and social power (Figure 1), began in the late 1950s following studies carried out by life insurance companies. Since then, many studies have linked excess weight to an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, which led the World Health Organization to declare a global epidemic of obesity. Obviously, the fight against obesity has been included in health promotion strategies. Even during the conception of collective health strategies, the fight against obesity has always been understood as the responsibility of the individual for his or her well-being. However, the time when obesity was considered as simply an individual health problem seems to be gone.
who’s tired of michel foucault? une étude sur les perspectives foucaldiennes pour penser l’articulation de la production de l’enfance et des rapports de colonialité
Authors: Roland Elsa , Iacobino Serena
Published: July 2024

Cet article prend pour point de départ les généalogies de l’enfance de Michel Foucault disséminées dans son œuvre et complexifiées par les études foucaldiennes contemporaines, en particulier les recherches féministes de Silvia Federici (et ses généalogies des femmes) et les études postcoloniales d’Ann Laura Stoler (et ses généalogies des colonisés). Foucault passant sous silences l’histoire des femmes et des colonies, ce détour par des généalogies féministes et postcoloniales nous permettra de nous inscrire dans les débats sur l’intersectionnalité. En effet, depuis les années 1990, cette perspective méthodologique a été pensée de multiples manières (comme articulation, matrice, assemblage etc.), il s’agira donc de voir comment penser l’intersectionnalité en référence aux cadres d’analyse foucaldiens et à leurs critiques. Plus précisément, en réunissant ces auteurs et leurs généalogies, cet article tentera de se situer dans les débats contemporains sur l’intersection du Childism et du mouvement décolonial. Alors que certains auteurs considèrent que la production de l’enfance/de l’âge précède la production de la colonialité/de la race, d’autres voient le contraire. Pour entrer dans ces débats, nous reprendrons à Bacchetta (2015) l’idée de co-formations et de co-productions des rapports coloniaux et âgistes dans l’histoire longue des métropoles et des colonies. Ce faisant, nous tenterons de décrire et d’analyser les relations d’assujettissement (de genre, de classe, de race ou d’âge) d’une part, comme un effet de multiplicité selon des conjonctures spécifiques, et d’autre part, comme la cristallisation de relations de pouvoir qui s’étendent sur de larges espace-temps.
Os desafios do enfermeiro pesquisador em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: Pissaia Luís Felipe , Costa Arlete Eli Kunz , Oliveira Eniz Conceição
Published: July 2024

A pandemia do novo coronavírus é um acontecimento histórico e que representa um marco para a atuação profissional em saúde, em especial para o enfermeiro, fundamental na linha de frente na rede de saúde. Dessa forma, o objetivo é compartilhar a vivência de um enfermeiro pesquisador durante o período de pandemia causada pela Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa. O instrumento para coleta de dados é o diário de campo do pesquisador. Os resultados demonstram a realidade de um enfermeiro pesquisador atuante na linha de frente ao combate do novo coronavírus. Assim, as vivências aqui analisadas demonstram as mudanças no espaço de trabalho e convivência do profissional, os paradigmas que envolvem o modelo de prevenção de contágio da população e os legados que pandemia da Covid-19 deixa para a sociedade mundial. Considera-se que as informações aqui apresentadas possam subsidiar ações de proteção dos profissionais da saúde e atenção a trajetória do enfermeiro durante a crise causada pela pandemia do novo coronavírus. Neste contexto, o estudo apresenta fragilidades no sistema de saúde e que a partir das observações tornam-se proponentes de melhorias nos processos de trabalho e também no que tange a qualidade do cuidado oferecido para a população.
Construções discursivas de jovens vivendo com HIV/Aids: o sujeito no diagnóstico.
Authors: Silva Neto Luís Pereira da , Miranda Karla Côrrea Lima , Silva Ana Camila Bezerra de Sousa , Melo Katamara Medeiros Tavares
Published: July 2024

O HIV/Aids ainda se configura como uma questão de relevância para a saúde pública no Brasil. Na última década no país, a maior concentração de novos casos de HIV está entre a população jovem. Desse modo, considera-se que os jovens sofrem implicações psicossociais significativas na experiência com o vírus. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a experiência, a partir das construções discursivas de jovens que vivem com HIV/Aids. Para tanto, como método foi utilizada a Análise de Discurso (AD) da corrente francesa de pensamento, cujo maior representante é Michel Pêcheux. Neste estudo, a AD se dá em articulação com a teoria psicanalítica, pois compreende a subjetividade, considerando o contexto histórico-social dos indivíduos. Como resultados, a partir dos processos discursivos que constituem as vivências dos 12 jovens entrevistados e o HIV, foram identificadas as formações discursivas que contemplam os dizeres dos sujeitos e que convergem para a ideologia que ampara os discursos no referido contexto. São elas: 1. “Eu não vivo como um jovem normal!”: ser jovem e viver com HIV, e 2. “Eu preciso me cuidar mais!”: o cuidado de si e o HIV. Por fim, conclui-se que a dinâmica adquirida pelo avanço do HIV na sociedade atual, as diferentes concepções de sexualidade que significam as práticas sexuais dos jovens e a adesão ou não às proposições quanto aos cuidados necessários para esses sujeitos, implicam na presença de um discurso normatizador da sexualidade, principalmente a partir da Ideologia Cristã.
Palavras-chave: HIV/Aids, jovens, cuidado, análise do discurso, psicanálise.
Editorial
Authors: Camello Thereza Cristina Ferreira
Published: July 2024

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Communicating with D/deaf patients
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: July 2024

While healthcare assistants and assistants practitioners frequently engage in prolonged and routine interactions with patients, they often feel ill-equipped when communicating with individuals who have hearing loss. This article seeks to shed light on these communication challenges and propose strategies for enhancement. The article emphasises some of the inequities that D/deaf people may face. Resolution of such inequities will require adjustments from both individuals and organisations, both of which must prioritise patient care as the central focus for change.
Enhanced recovery after surgery: Progress in adapted pathways for implementation in standard and emerging surgical settings
Authors: Wishahi Mohamed , Kamal Nabawya M , Hedaya Mohamed Saied
Published: July 2024

The concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been practiced for decades and has been implemented in numerous surgical specialties. ERAS is a global surgical quality improvement initiative, and it is an element in the field of perioperative care. ERAS had shown significant clinical outcomes, patient-reported satisfaction, and improvements in medical service cost. ERAS has been developed for specific surgical procedures, but with the fast progress of newly introduced surgical procedures, the original ERAS have been developed and modified. Recently appearing Topics and future research trends encompass ERAS protocols for other types of surgery and the enhancement of perioperative status, including but not limited to pediatric surgery, laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery, bariatric surgery, thoracic surgery, and renal transplantation. The elements and pathways of ERAS have been developed with the introduction of up-to-date methodologies in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative pathways. ERAS costs are higher than traditional care, but the patient’s clinical outcome and satisfaction are higher. ERAS is in progress in the fields of anesthetic tasks, pediatric surgery, and organ transplantation. Although ERAS has shown significant clinical outcomes, there are needs to modify the protocol for specific cases, hospital facilities, resources, and nurses training on elements of ERAS. Several challenges and limitations exist in the implementation of ERAS that deserve consideration, it includes: Frailty, maximizing nutrition, prehabilitation, treating preoperative anemia, and enhancing ERAS adoption globally are all included.