bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model curriculum in sexual medicine for undergraduate education in Europe
Authors: Di Dionisio Carlo Matteo , Bitzer Johannes , Greil-Soyka Marianne
Published: July 2024

Sexual health has been recognized as an essential component of the overall health and wellbeing. The current article aims, first, to review the current state of sexual health education in undergraduate medical curricula, identifying gaps, needs and challenges. The main part of this paper describes the development and content of an undergraduate sexual medicine curriculum based on a clear concept of the competencies students should learn regarding knowledge, skills and attitudes. The content is based on a biopsychosocial understanding of human sexuality elaborated by international experts from different European countries integrating basic knowledge in biology, psychology, sociocultural and political sciences, preventive medicine, and the various therapeutic approaches to help women, men and couples with sexual health problems on a primary care level. In order to enable students to learn the basic skills of sexual history taking and sexual basic counselling two educational videos were produced. The material presented is part of the European Collaboration in Science and Technology (COST) supported project European Sexual Medicine Network (ESMN). The material provided can serve universities to give the training as a 25-30 hours course equivalent to 1 ECTS.
selfX: An open-source R package with autonomic abilities for data mining
Authors: Galende M , Corral A , Reñones A
Published: July 2024

This article describes the key characteristics of the functionality implemented in the “selfX” R software package, developed under the European s-X-AIPI project as an open-source software and offered to the R community for use and enhancement. Specifically this package offers a range of more autonomic functions for both data exploration and model training activities, such as unsupervised and supervised feature selection, unsupervised anomaly detection and/or predictive algorithm selection. Moreover, it includes complementary functions for data cleaning, statistical tests and outlier and missing values treatment.
Łukasz Perlikowski, Teoretyczne podstawy badania stabilności politycznej, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika, Toruń 2023, ss. 193
Authors: Kwiatkowski Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Pojęcie stabilności zdaje się często pojawiać w debacie publicznej. Jak wskazuje autor we wstępie – stabilność jest wartością, do której przywiązuje się uwagę bez względu na perspektywę ideologiczną. Recenzowana publikacja nie wartościuje stabilności politycznej, lecz ujmuje ją jako kategorię teoretyczną w naukach o polityce. Autor wprowadza siatkę pojęć umożliwiającą badanie reżimów politycznych z nowej perspektywy.
impact of systemic diseases - Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Epilepsy, Thyroid diseases, on the condition of the oral cavity and the course of a dental visit
Authors: Czapska Mirella , Krygicz Kamila , Kocoń Marcin , Krawczyk Lidia , Duplaga Tomasz , Babkiewicz-Jahn Kamila , Matuszewska Justyna , Szymańska Adrianna
Published: July 2024

Introduction and purpose.Systemic diseases are affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Both adults, the elderly, and children are affected. Social awareness regarding diseases and their symptoms remains very low. In the rush of life, we forget how important it is to take care of our health to fully enjoy each day.
Many systemic diseases exhibit characteristic symptoms in the oral cavity. Patients are often unaware of this, which emphasizes the importance of alertness on the part of the dental practitioner, thorough history-taking not only in dentistry but also in general medicine, and comprehensive patient examination.
Patient awareness of their condition not only matters for the individual but also significantly impacts the course of the dental visit, office preparation, and procedures performed. Many diseases, especially those uncontrolled, may preclude certain treatments or necessitate alterations in dental management.
Materials and methods.  The article presents the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of systemic diseases on the condition of the oral cavity in various scientific publications. Publications describing these diseases and the course of dental visits were reviewed using the PubMed platform and included in textbooks listed in current scientific databases.
Conclusions. Awareness of the oral cavity's condition, as well as the symptoms that systemic diseases can exhibit, has a tremendous impact on our health. Early detection of pathologies and implementation of treatment contribute to halting or slowing down the progression of the disease, as well as improving our well-being. Increasing patient awareness of the significance of lifestyle, regular check-ups, prevention, and lifestyle choices can influence an individual's future and eventually raise awareness across society.
wheel of microbiome rises, and it falls
Authors: Kołodziej Joanna , Krzemińska Paulina
Published: July 2024

Intoduction: The gut microbiome plays a significant role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. Microbiota therapies involving fecal product transplantation from healthy donors, for patients with mild to moderate forms have shown significant potential to induce improvement and remission in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and Clostridioides difficileinfection. There is growing interest in modulating the gut microbiome with probiotics, prebiotics and microbiota products. The undergoing rapid development over the past decade, while it is encountering some regulations related to the safety use of this method. The following paper describes and analyzes the conclusions that can be drawn from research on microbiota therapies. Methods: The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the “Pubmed”, “Google Scholar”, “ResearchGate”, using the mentioned below keywords. State of knowledge: Disorders of the intestinal microflora, have serious consequences in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the intestinal barrier, which in turn can lead to metabolic disorders, autoimmune or neurological diseases. Therefore, from the point of view of physicians, it is crucial to learn new methods of identifying the intestinal microflora in each person and to learn techniques for its restoration. Summary: Therefore, from the point of view of physicians of various specialties, it is so important to learn new methods of identifying the intestinal microflora in each person and to learn techniques for its restoration, which can be the basis for treatment or support of the main therapy of many diseases. For many patients who do not respond sufficiently to the therapies used so far, they are the hope for improving therapeutic options, used combination with immunomodulatory drugs to raise the ceiling of their efficacy or as complementary treatment.
Heterotopic splenic tissue mimicking metastases on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Atuiri Clifford , Foster Dawson , Li Xiao , Hadidi Danny , Sokhn Joseph
Published: July 2024

Background: Heterotopic splenic tissue can occur following splenectomy and is typically asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. This benign condition may mimic malignant processes, posing diagnostic challenges especially in patients with a history of cancer or concurrent malignancy. Case description: We report the case of a 60-year-old male with a history of well-controlled hypertension and a splenectomy following a traumatic injury at age 7. The patient underwent routine screening which revealed elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified suspicious lesions in the prostate and a left lower quadrant mass. Prostate biopsy confirmed an adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 6, while biopsy of the abdominal mass revealed heterotopic splenic tissue. The management strategy included active surveillance for prostate cancer, considering the tumour’s low aggressiveness and the benign nature of the splenic tissue. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering heterotopic splenic tissue in differential diagnosis when evaluating abdominal masses in patients with a history of splenectomy. Accurate diagnosis through careful imaging and biopsy is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments, particularly in patients with concurrent malignancies.
The investigation of B12 deficiency leading to the serendipitous diagnosis of gastric carcinoid tumour
Authors: Karam Karam , Saleh Sarah , Chebbo Houssein , Jalloul Sarah , Fiani Elias
Published: July 2024

Gastric carcinoid is a rare type of gastric malignancy accounting for around 7% of all gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). While most gastric NETs (gNETs) are readily visible through direct visualisation by upper endoscopy, around 25% of gastric carcinoids are invisible because they are located in the submucosal gastric regions of the body and fundus. gNETs located in the intra-mucosal areas can be identified by gastric mapping; this can be done by taking random gastric biopsies from the antrum, body and fundus. We report a case of a well-differentiated gastric NET type 1 with atrophic gastritis diagnosed on upper endoscopy and pathological immunohistochemistry staining.
ESPAÇOS BALNEÁRIOS DO LITORAL NORTE DA BAHIA: FORMAS, AGENTES E TEMPOS
Authors: De Jesus Marcus Henrique Oliveira , Carvalho Vilar José Wellington
Published: July 2024

A presente nota de pesquisa apresenta uma discussão sobre os resultados do estudo referente a dissertação a ser defendida no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia (PPGEO) da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Este trabalho aborda as questões referentes a sucessão dos meios geográficos e a constituição dos espaços balneários no Litoral Norte da Bahia, recorte espacial da investigação. Tentou-se compreender a partir da articulação das ideias de Milton Santos como os agentes públicos e privados territorializaram práticas turísticas com suporte da balnearização da região.
IMIGRANTES HAITIANOS EM MATO GROSSO/BR: DOS LIMITES LEGAIS AO DIREITO À CIDADE
Authors: Alvarenga Marcia Soares , Borromeu Antonio
Published: July 2024

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar as políticas de migração para os haitianos que têm o Brasil como destino, após crises sociais, instabilidade política e tragédias ambientais.  O não reconhecimento dos haitianos como refugiados pela legislação brasileira configura a situação-problema da questão migratória examinada no presente artigo. Do ponto de vista teórico-metodológico, trata-se de pesquisa de tipo qualitativo que se orienta pela abordagem da análise documental e bibliográfica sobre a temática de pessoas em situação de refúgio. Ancorado na perspectiva da relação linguagem e sociedade de Henri Lefebvre (1966), o texto dialoga com o campo de pesquisas sobre migrações, tendo como fontes documentos que ordenam a questão jurídica de concessão de refúgio em território brasileiro. Nas considerações finais discutem-se as possibilidades de mitigar barreiras jurídicas através da criação de solidariedades em redes de movimentos sociais de caráter inclusivas junto aos grupos de haitianos que chegam ao estado do Mato Grosso, em especial na capital de Cuiabá. O artigo visa contribuir para estudos, reflexões e ações sobre migrações e seus desdobramentos para os direitos humanos nas cidades em que os deslocados buscam proteção e acolhimento para mitigarem o sofrimento social causado pelas situações de refúgio.
SENSORIAMENTO REMOTO APLICADO AO ESTUDO DA EVOLUÇÃO DAS ILHAS DE CALOR DE SUPERFÍCIE NA CIDADE DO CRATO - CE
Authors: Silva Juliana Maria Oliveira , Luna Vinicius Ferreira , Gomes Joyce Ferreira , Moura Marcelo de Oliveira , Lopes José Lidemberg de Sousa
Published: July 2024

O artigo teve por objetivo identificar as Ilhas de Calor de Superfície na cidade do Crato/CE em uma perspectiva espaço-temporal (1995-2019). Para isso utilizou-se imagens de satélite LANDSAT 5 e 8 para estimar a temperatura de superfície, e para o cálculo das Ilhas de Calor, adotou-se fórmulas a partir da quantificação dos pixels nas imagens, considerando diferentes cenários de acordo com a cobertura vegetal e ocupação. As mudanças observadas na série histórica evidenciaram que a temperatura de superfície se alterou ao longo do tempo estando associada às construções urbanas e retirada da cobertura vegetal. O mapeamento efetuado demonstrou ser capaz de identificar as áreas com as maiores transformações na cidade, possibilitando compreender a relação entre vegetação e a temperatura, sendo útil para projetos de planejamento.Palavras-chave: Temperatura de Superfície. Ilhas de Calor. Ocupação
MAPEAMENTO TEMPORAL DA NEOPLASIA DE MAMA EM SÃO PAULO: INFLUÊNCIA DA PANDEMIA COVID-19 E DETERMINANTES SOCIODEMOGRÁFICOS
Authors: Baccaro Laura , Souza Mariany , Favareto Ana Paula , Rossi Renata , Pugliesi Edmur , Ramos Ana Paula
Published: July 2024

A neoplasia de mama é a mais comum e com maior mortalidade em mulheres. Embora o Ministério da Saúde reúna um banco de dados nacional da doença, a caracterização da sua distribuição a nível municipal ainda requer ser explorada.  Neste trabalho, propõe-se o mapeamento multitemporal da taxa de neoplasia de mama no Estado de São Paulo entre 2008 e 2021. Houve uma tendência de aumento nos casos de neoplasia de mama no período de 2008 a 2019, com alteração deste padrão a partir de 2020, com o início da pandemia por COVID-19. Mulheres com mais de 50 anos (Mann-Whitney Z = 259,996; p< 0,01), com maior nível de instrução escolar (Spearman ρ = 0,629; p < 0,001) e maior renda per capta (Spearman ρ = 0,743; p < 0,001) são as mais diagnosticadas. Constatou-se que há uma dependência espacial entre os 645 municípios paulistas quanto à taxa de neoplasia de mama no período investigado, sendo a São José do Rio Preto e Ribeirão Preto as duas regiões mais acometidas. Projetos de políticas púbicas que visem minimizar o quadro de neoplasia mamária no estado podem ser inicialmente aplicados, ou mesmo, intensificados, nas regiões que demostraram maior ocorrência da taxa desta doença.
HOMENAGEM A CARLOS WALTER PORTO-GONÇALVES
Authors: Correa Gabriel Siqueira , Alentejano Paulo Roberto Raposo
Published: July 2024

Apresentação da homenagem a Carlos Walter Porto-Gonçalves
EDITORIAL
Authors: Silva Isabela Habib Canaan da
Published: July 2024

Apresenta o volume XX número 2
The Luhan lands in the composition of the Kalmius palanka of the Zaporozhian Sich in the XVIII-th century
Authors: Zyza Mykola ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Naboka Oleksandr ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: July 2024

Purpose. On the basis of analysis of sources and scientific works of Ukrainian historians, consider the historical development of the lands of the modern Luhansk region, which in the XVIII-th century were part of the Kalmius Palanka of Zaporizka Sich. Methods. Historical-comparative, historical-systemic, historical-typological. The results. Shown the process of formation and socio-economic development of the cossack settlements of the Luhansk Region, which were part of the Kalmius Palanka in the XVIII-th century. Separately considered the forcible incorporation of these territories into the Russian Empire at the end of the XVIII-th century, and highlighted the contradiction between the Russian imperial power and the Ukrainian population of Luhansk region. Conclusions. During the XVIII-th century the south of the modern Luhansk region was the territory of the dynamic development of Cossack settlements that were part of the possessions of Zaporizka Sich. Here was actively developed agrarian commodity production This process was interrupted due to the capture of these lands by the Russian Empire, which, having declared them part of the „Wild Field”, initiated their transfer to Russian landlords and foreign settlers. The importance of the Ukrainian population was neutralized by a complex of socio-economic and political measures of St. Petersburg, which began to be implemented at the end of the XVII-th century.
Serhiy Hrushevskyi. Godsun of the outstanding historian and founder of local history of the Luhansk region
Authors: Naboka Oleksandr ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: July 2024

The article comprehensively examines the significance of the professor of the Donetsk Institute of National Education (DINO) Serhiy Hrushevskyi in the process of the formation of Ukrainian regional studies in the Luhansk Region in the 20-s of the XX ct. Among other, in the article are highlighted the development of Serhii Hrushevskyi as a historian and teacher, the reasons for his move to Luhansk in 1925, and the beginning of his career at DINO. Are separately and in detail considered the scientist's attempts to create a department for the comprehensive study of Donbas, which should become a prototype of the regional academy of sciences. It was determined that these attempts failed, which led to the creation of the public Scientific Society of Donbass (SSC), which actively worked until 1929. As a result of the conducted research, the author came to the conclusion that Serhiy Hrushevskyi became the founder of the traditions of Luhansk local history science, to which he gave a Ukrainian-oriented context, since the «Ukrainianness» of the Luhansk region at that time did not raise any particular questions and was questioned even by respected Soviet historians. It should be noted that thanks to the Hrushevsky center for the spread of Ukrainization in the Luhansk region, the leading higher educational institution became DINO. It is noted that further scientific articles will be aimed at highlighting the activities of other leading participants in the scientific and social life of Luhansk in the 20-s and 30-s of the XX-th ct.
Development of the credit-banking network in the cities of the Kharkiv providence in the 19th – early 20th centuries
Authors: Radchenko Nataliia ,   SHEI Uzhhorod National University
Published: July 2024

This article examines the reasons for the establishment and development of credit and banking institutions in the cities of Kharkiv province as part of the economy of the Ukrainian city during the 19th – early 20th centuries. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of credit and banking institutions on the economic and social development of the cities in the Kharkiv province during the 19th – early 20th centuries, as well as on the development of urban infrastructure. The research methods in the article were selected in accordance with the purpose and based on the principle of historicism. They are represented by a general scientific method of analysis and special scientific historical-comparative and historical-genetic methods. The application of these methods allowed us to consistently trace the process of formation and development of historical knowledge on the issues under study. Scientific novelty. The network of banks and small credit institutions of the cities of the Kharkiv province in this period was reconstructed. Conclusions. The formation of the credit and banking network was associated primarily with the development of cities. It was not until the last third of the nineteenth century that credit and banking institutions were beginning to play a significant role in urban life. The emergence of banks and small credit institutions took place primarily in cities, where reliable lending was needed by merchants and industrialists, as well as a certain part of the traders and craftsmen. However, the population's need for affordable small loans was not addressed. A number of tasks that require further research of scientists from different countries have been identified.
To the issue of memorable pages of the history of Lubenshchyna
Authors: Taranenko Mykola ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: July 2024

The article analyzes little-known pages of the history of the Posulshchyna and its «table hail» – Luben. The author focuses his attention on the settlement of the region by primitive people, the founding of the city of Lubny, the role of the Vyshnevetskyi princes in the development of the Lubny region, the emergence of the quasi-state «Vyshnivechnya», the creation of the so-called «Republic of Lubny», the publication in Lubny of the first Ukrainian-language newspaper «Hliborob» in the Dnipro region, etc. As a result of the conducted research, the author came to the following conclusions. The centuries-old history of the Luben region contains many interesting historical events, which are of understandable interest to domestic scientists and local historians. Most of them are covered in detail in their scientific investigations. However, many little-known historical monuments that took place on the territory of the Luben region require today a deep, comprehensive and, most importantly, objective reinterpretation of researchers without ideological prejudices and political conjuncture.
Patient-centred stoma care support: ileostomy patients
Authors: Marinova Petya , Marinova Rali
Published: July 2024

Stoma patients require continuous support throughout their entire journey with a stoma. Although many Stoma Care Services across the UK offer patient follow-up pathways, there is not one unified pathway. Patients may not be prepared for life with a stoma because, depending on their stoma type, they will have specific needs, and if patients and healthcare professionals are not prepared to manage these stoma-specific needs, complications and hospital readmissions may occur, worsening patients’ outcomes and quality of life.

Ileostomy patients are known to be more likely to experience complications, including hospital readmissions, and therefore, special care should be taken when preparing these patients for life with a stoma. They should be informed and educated to prevent complications, and if this is not always possible, thye should at least be able to recognise and manage early signs and symptoms of complications. This will empower them to self-care and know when to seek medical attention.
A day in the life
Authors: Jewels Millie
Published: July 2024

Millie Jewels walks through a day as a root canal dental nurse.
Promoting optimum oral health
Authors: Silver Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Rebecca Silver outlines how dental nurses can empower patients to strive for great dental hygiene.
Tracking infectious touchpoints
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Rebecca Waters considers the vital importance of hand hygiene in dentistry.
A good rule of thumb
Authors: Bates Jo
Published: July 2024

Jo Bates shares a handy solution for childhood thumb sucking.
Deciphering the iron enigma: Navigating the complexities of iron metabolism in critical illness
Authors: Mishra Anjali , Juneja Deven
Published: July 2024

Iron is a double-edged sword! Despite being essential for numerous physiological processes of the body, a dysregulated iron metabolism can result in tissue damage, exaggerated inflammatory response, and increased susceptibility to infection with certain pathogens that thrive in iron-rich environment. During sepsis, there is an alteration of iron metabolism, leading to increased transport and uptake into cells. This increase in labile iron may cause oxidative damage and cellular injury (ferroptosis) which progresses as the disease worsens. Critically ill patients are often complicated with systemic inflammation which may contribute to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or sepsis, a common cause of mortality in intensive care unit. Originally, ferritin was known to play an important role in the hematopoietic system for its iron storage capacity. Recently, its role has emerged as a predictor of poor prognosis in chronic inflammation and critical illnesses. Apart from predicting the disease outcome, serum ferritin can potentially reflect disease activity as well.
Review of the potential value of serum interleukin levels as prognostic biomarkers of liver failure
Authors: Lin Yong , Yan Geng-Jie , Liu Mei-Yan , Cao Yin , Zhang Kan , Wang Na , Long Fu-Li , Mao De-Wen
Published: July 2024

Liver failure (LF) is prevalent in China and is characterized by complex pathogenesis, challenging clinical management, poor prognosis, and rising incidence and mortality rates. The immune status is an important factor affecting LF prognosis. Interleukins (Ils) are a type of cytokine that act and interact with multiple cells, including immune cells. These signaling molecules play important roles in intercellular information transmission, including the regulation of immune cells; mediation of the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T and B cells; and orchestration of the inflammatory response. To date, many studies have explored the correlation between IL expression and liver disease prognosis, but few studies have evaluated Ils as the prognostic biomarkers of LF. This article reviews the potential use of Ils as the prognostic biomarkers of LF. Particularly, it evaluates the predictive values of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-31, the three often overlooked yet promising prognostic biomarkers, in predicting susceptibility to LF. Harnessing biomarkers for early prognostic insights can facilitate tailored treatment strategies and enhance patient survival. Thus, this article focuses on the identification of IL-21, IL-22, and IL-33 as biomarkers in preclinical and clinical studies on LF and reviews their role as biomarkers in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of LF.
Challenges Faced by Practitioners Accessing Jordan’s Principle: A Commentary
Authors: Zafran Hiba , Valavaara Kaarina , Phenix Angie
Published: July 2024

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has adjudicated that substantive equality is not met in the implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Further, there is evidence that each province and territory receive differential support and access to funding via Jordan’s Principle, resulting in ongoing health inequities. This commentary draws on a qualitative study conducted between 2021-2022 that explored Indigenous Services Canada’s administrative functioning at the locus where frontline clinical and administrative practitioners apply for funding through the federal bureaucracy of Jordan’s Principle. As affected parties, practitioners (n=41) provided an evidence-informed perspective on specific mechanisms and processes that are of concern.
Le Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne a jugé que l’égalité réelle n’était pas respectée dans la mise en œuvre du principe de Jordan. En outre, il y a des preuves que chaque province et territoire bénéficie d’un soutien et d’un accès au financement différents dans le cadre du principe de Jordan, ce qui se traduit par des inégalités persistantes en matière de santé. Ce commentaire s’appuie sur une étude qualitative menée entre 2021 et 2022 qui a exploré le fonctionnement administratif des Services aux Autochtones Canada à l’interface où les praticiens cliniques et administratifs de première ligne demandent un financement par le biais de la bureaucratie fédérale du principe de Jordan. En tant que parties concernées, les praticiens (n=41) ont fourni une perspective éclairée par des données probantes sur les mécanismes et processus spécifiques qui sont préoccupants.
College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Experiences, Conception, and Development of Emotional Wellness
Authors: Fields Alexander M. , Lewis Olivia , Castle Madeline , Smith-Hill Rebecca B. , Stinnett Chelsea V.
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to understand the ways in which college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience and develop their understanding of emotions and emotional wellness. Semi-structured interviews with college students with IDD were conducted. The research team utilized consensual qualitative research (CQR) to analyze interviews and came to consensus in generating domains, core ideas, and a cross-analysis to answer the research question, “What are the experiences of college students with IDD in developing an understanding of emotions and emotional wellness?” Findings suggest college students with IDD have experience developing and maintaining their emotional wellness, though they may experience barriers prior to and during college enrollment. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Virtual Community Conversations as Catalysts for Improving Transitions for Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Schwartzman Benjamin C. , Schutz Michele A. , Carter Erik W. , McMillan Elise D.
Published: July 2024

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aspire to participate in a variety of activities after high school, such as attaining paid employment, enrolling in postsecondary education, being involved in their communities, living independently, and building friendships. However, complex and longstanding transition barriers require comprehensive solutions that are tailored to a local community’s unique needs and available resources so that local youth with IDD may achieve their desired outcomes. This article presents “virtual community conversations” as a promising approach for bringing together local communities to tackle barriers to good outcomes for residents with IDD. Attendees were able to effectively generate innovative recommendations for addressing issues in their local communities. We offer recommendations for enhancing and extending implementation of this approach.
Quantitative phase imaging based on the transport-of-intensity equation using white-light diffraction phase microscopy
Authors: Cheng Weizhe , Feng Yunpeng , Yu Le , Cheng Haobo
Published: July 2024

We present a compact quantitative phase imaging (QPI) system based on a white-light diffraction phase microscopy (wDPM) configuration. This system is capable of capturing wide-field digital holograms (DH) under low-coherence illumination while maintaining high spatiotemporal sensitivity and stability. Our cost-effective module is compatible with imaging devices such as the bright-field microscope, simplifying the QPI process significantly in a label-free manner. Additionally, it facilitates a detailed comparison between the wDPM, transport-of-intensity equation (TIE) phase retrieval methods, and other QPI methods, serving as a multimodal platform. Moreover, we achieved direct QPI of a single-shot DH through multichannel wavefront reconstruction, acquisition of chromatic aberration, and implementation of the TIE method. This approach circumvents the need for cumbersome phase unwrapping (PU) and aberration correction procedures typical in wDPM, highlighting the potential of QPI using the proposed wDPM-TIE method. Furthermore, to address the halo effect inherent in wDPM, we reconstructed the reference beam wavefront through TIE and utilized it to mitigate the halo artifacts. Simulation and comparative experimental results affirm the feasibility, accuracy, and dynamic QPI capability of the proposed configuration together with the wDPM-TIE QPI method in both micro-optics and bio-imaging, showcasing nanometer-level spatial and temporal noise.
Efficient O-type mapping and routing of large-scale neural networks to torus-based ONoCs
Authors: Yao Qiuyan , Meng Daqing , Yang Hui , Feng Nan , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has accelerated the arrival of the era of large models. Artificial-neural-network-based large models typically have millions to billions of parameters, and their training and reasoning processes put strict requirements on hardware, especially at the chip level, in terms of interconnection bandwidth, processing speed, latency, etc. The optical network-on-chip (ONoC) is a new interconnection technology that connects IP cores through a network of optical waveguides. Due to its incomparable advantages such as low loss, high throughput, and low delay, this communication mode has gradually become the key technology to improve the efficiency of large models. At present, the ONoC has been used to reduce the interconnection complexity of neural network accelerators, where neural network models are reshaped to map into the process elements of the ONoC and communicate at high speed on chip. In this paper, we first propose a torus-based O-type mapping strategy to realize efficient mapping of neuron groups to the chip. Additionally, an array congestion information-based low-congestion arbitrator is designed and then a multi-path low-congestion routing algorithm named TMLA is presented to alleviate array congestion and disperse the routing pressure of each path. Results demonstrate that the proposed mapping and routing scheme can reduce the average network delay without additional loss when the injection rate is relatively large, which provides a valuable reference for the research of neural network acceleration.
On the performance of a Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser based on a cadmium-sulfide (CdS) thin-film saturable absorber
Authors: Asghar Mamoon , Ahmed Rizwan , Aslam Baig M. , Asghar Haroon
Published: July 2024

In the present work, an experimental analysis of a stable Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) has been performed using a cadmium-sulfide (CdS) thin-film-based saturable absorber (SA). The CdS thin-film SA was prepared using a solution method technique and was then incorporated between two fiber ferrules placed inside the ring cavity of EDFL. The measured results revealed that stable Q-switched pulse operation was achieved within a pump power from 25.08 to 557.48 mW of pump power. Within this pump power range, the repetition rates ranged from 12.4 to 105 kHz and the pulse duration narrowed down from 20.22 to 1.8 µs. Besides the maximum average output power, pulse energy, peak power, and signal-to-noise ratio were further measured to be 10.3 mW, 98.05 nJ, 54.5 mW, and 48 dB, respectively at a maximum available pump power of 557.48 mW. Additionally, the stability and threshold characteristics of CdS-SA-based EDFL were further investigated. These findings suggest that Q-switched EDFLs based on 2D materials-SAs hold promise for potential photonics applications due to their superior optical and non-linear characteristics.
Cost-effectiveness of sentinel screening of endemic diseases alongside malaria diagnosis: A case study in schistosomiasis
Authors: Manca Francesco , Ciminata Giorgio , Grieve Eleanor , Reboud Julien , Cooper Jonathan , McIntosh Emma
Published: July 2024

Background

In countries where malaria is endemic, the use of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs) has become routine, especially in rural settings. Such regions are characterised by often having other co-endemic infectious diseases, at high levels of prevalence.

Aim

To illustrate the potential added-value of "sentinel” screening for patients presenting for a routine diagnostic test for malaria, at healthcare facilities in Uganda.

Methods

We developed an economic model by combining two decision trees, one for malaria and a second for the co-endemic disease schistosomiasis. The integrated model was designed to inform policy strategies for the co-endemic disease in addition to malaria (i.e., whether to test opportunistically for schistosomiasis or use mass drug administration(MDA) as per usual practice).We performed the analysis on three comparators varying testing accuracy and costs.

Results

Sentinel screening can provide added value to the testing of patients compared with the status quo: when schistosomiasis prevalence is high then MDA is preferential; if low prevalence, treating no one is preferred. If the disease has average levels of prevalence, then a strategy involving testing is preferred. Prevalence thresholds driving the dominant strategy are dependent upon the model parameters, which are highly context specific. At average levels of prevalence for schistosomiasis and malaria for Uganda, adding a sentinel screening was cost-effective when the accuracy of test was higher than current diagnostics and when economies of scope were generated(Expected value clinical Information = 0.65$ per DALY averted, 137.91$ per correct diagnoses).Protocols using diagnostics with current accuracy levels were preferred only for levels of MDA coverage below 75%.

Conclusion

The importance of the epidemiological setting is crucial in determining the best cost-effective strategy for detecting endemic disease. Economies of scope can make sentinel screenings cost-effective strategies in specific contexts. Blanket thresholds recommended for MDA may not always be the preferred option for endemic diseases.
Annual report text’s positive tone and corporate green innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Yange , Feng Jian
Published: July 2024

From the perspective of annual report text information, we study the relationship between the annual report text’s positive tone and corporate green innovation. Taking listed companies from 2010 to 2022 as a sample, we found that the positive tone of the annual report text significantly improves the company’s green innovation while improving the quantity and quality of green innovation. The mechanism test shows that the main channels are easing corporate financing constraints and enhancing external attention. Regarding heterogeneity analysis, we found that the positive annual report text has a more significant effect on corporate green innovation in companies with high economic policy uncertainty and non-heavily polluting industries. Finally, we found that the positive tone of the annual report text can ultimately improve the company’s long-term value through green innovation. Our study has enriched the theoretical research on the annual report text tone and provided empirical evidence for promoting enterprise green innovation.
Binder-type effect on the physico-mechanical, combustion and emission properties of Alstonia boonei De Wild. sawdust and Theobroma cacao L. pod biochar briquettes for energy applications
Authors: Glalah Mark , Antwi-Boasiako Charles , Adu-Gyamfi Derrick
Published: July 2024

Energy application potential from the abundant biomass residues is inadequately exploited. Over-dependence on forest trees, its negative environmental impacts, and ever-rising energy costs require alternative production technologies including briquetting. The physico-mechanical and combustion properties of binderless and bindered Alstonia boonei sawdust and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) pod briquettes, carbonized in a steel kiln (at 410±5°C, and a heating rate of 4°C/min from the ambient temperature of 25°C), piston-pressed at 9.0 MPa, were studied. The binders were starch, wax, and clay. Starch-bindered T. cacao pod briquettes recorded the maximum bulk density (640 kg/cm3), while basic density was greatest for sawdust/clay briquette (433 kg/cm3). Sawdust/wax briquette produced much Water Resistance Capacity (76.76%) with safer carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (0.67 ppm). A. boonei sawdust/starch briquettes recorded the greatest calorific value (24.023 MJ/kg), least specific fuel consumption (0.0483 kg/l), and slowest burning rate (0.0005 kg/min). All but T. cacao pod/starch and Sawdust/starch emitted CO below the safe air quality Standard of ≤ 6ppm (24h mean). Binderless sawdust, sawdust/starch and T. cacao pod/starch briquettes recorded 47.86, 20.95 and 11.40 μg/m3 particulate matter (PM2.5) respectively, which are below WHO Air Quality Standard safe for domestic uses. Binderless T. cacao pod produced more harmful CO and PM2.5 than its non-bindered A. boonei sawdust counterpart. Clay-bindered briquettes were the most durable. Briquetting, ‘a waste-to-energy technology’, enhances bio-residue management for domestic and industrial spaces in the global energy mix.
Phytochemicals-linked food safety and human health protective benefits of the selected food-based botanicals
Authors: Christopher Ashish , Shetty Kalidas
Published: July 2024

Phytochemicals-rich food-based botanicals including traditional or under-utilized plant-based ingredients can serve a dual functional role to help counter food contamination of bacterial origin, while also addressing the rise of diet-linked non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension and the associated oxidative stress. Hence the screening of these food-based botanicals for their phenolic content and profile, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties has relevant merit. Using in vitro assay models, hot water extracts of different forms (slice, pickle, or powder) of amla (Phyllanthus emblica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), kokum (Garcinia indica), and garlic (Allium sativum) were analyzed for their total soluble phenolic content (TSP) and phenolic profile as well as antimicrobial activity against strains of Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli that are associated with food-borne disease outbreaks. In addition, the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive activity of the extracts were also determined using in vitro assay models, with the goal of establishing a dual functional role of the food safety and health protective benefits of these botanicals. A high baseline TSP content was observed in all the extracts and the major phenolic phytochemicals detected were gallic, cinnamic, ellagic, benzoic, dihydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and p-coumaric acid along with catechin and rutin. All extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against most of the bacterial strains tested and the antimicrobial activity was specific for each strain targeted in this study. Furthermore, significant antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity were observed among the botanical extracts, especially among the amla and kokum extracts. These results indicate that phytochemicals enriched botanicals, including amla and kokum, can be integrated into modern-day food preservation and dietary support strategies aimed at improving the food safety and health protective benefits of the food matrix.
Onsite sanitation systems and contamination of groundwater: A systematic review of the evidence for risk using the source-pathway-receptor model
Authors: Mbae Maureen , Hansen Paul , Way Celia , Mills Freya , Willetts Juliet , Foster Tim , Evans Barbara
Published: July 2024

The level of risk that onsite sanitation systems (OSS) pose to groundwater quality remains uncertain. The link between contamination and OSS can only be proved if the source, pathway, and receptor are investigated and confirmed when assessing contamination. The literature on the connection between OSS and groundwater contamination has been reviewed several times but with limited assessments of the extent to which the literature confirms that the source of contamination is an OSS, that a pathway has been identified, and that the receptor is groundwater. A systematic review was conducted on published studies and supports previous work that concluded that the removal and transport of contaminants from OSS to groundwater is complex and varies significantly according to local conditions. This variability means simple siting guidelines based on horizontal separation are not reliable. Though not always recognised in the literature, formation of a biological layer is important for removal of microbial pathogens. This layer takes months to form which impacts the performance of OSS that are new or subject to highly variable loading. Under ideal conditions of an unsaturated zone comprising fine material, faecal indicator bacteria can be reduced to detection limits within 10 metres distance. However, ideal conditions are very often not present. Multiple studies showed the presence of viruses in the absence of faecal indicator bacteria. Ingress of contaminated surface water into faulty boreholes/wells and contamination of wells from users are both often significant yet not adequately covered in the included literature. The review established that it is extremely difficult to eliminate the risk of groundwater contamination when OSS effluent is discharged into the subsurface. It is unsafe to assume that contamination can be prevented in areas with high OSS density, and further research is needed to determine the critical density threshold for different ground conditions.
Modelo explicativo do impacto da globalização na educação empreendedora: Políticas globais, comportamentos empreendedores e redes internacionais
Authors: Jardim Jacinto
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: explicar o impacto da globalização no surgimento de tendências para a educação empreendedora. Método: realizou-se uma revisão teórico-reflexiva da literatura, utilizando a análise temática, de modo a responder às questões de pesquisa; foram analisados 51 artigos recolhidos na Scopus, WOS e Google Scholar, organizados em três grupos temáticos. Originalidade/Relevância: constatava-se a falta de um estudo qualitativo que, tendo como base a literatura, demonstrasse o impacto da educação empreendedora. Resultados: foram reconhecidas três dimensões temáticas que explicam o impacto da educação empreendedora: a identificação de contextos e problemáticas socioeducativas; a definição de políticas educativas globais; e a criação de redes internacionais de investigação e desenvolvimento. Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: estas dimensões explicativas de impacto da educação empreendedora permitiram especificar os seguintes contributos específicos: as políticas educacionais, laborais e sociais; os comportamentos relacionados com a capacidade de pensar criativamente, de agir com iniciativa e de fazer acontecer; e as redes internacionais que estimulam as habilidades empreendedoras, a empregabilidade e a coesão social.
A Are renewable energy and nonrenewable energy substitutes or complementary for economic growth and environment quality: an international evidence
Authors: Gmidène Samia , Zaidi Saida , Zouari Ghorbel Sonia
Published: July 2024

The aim of this paper is to examine the interrelationships between renewable energy, nonrenewable energy consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth. It considers substitution and complementarity between renewable and nonrenewable energies, by means of dynamic panel data models in simultaneous-equations for a global panel consisting of 107 countries. The time component of our dataset is 2000–2017 inclusive. To make the panel data analysis more homogenous, we also investigate this interrelationship for a number of sub-panels, which are constructed based on the income level of countries. In this way, we end up with three income panels; namely, high income, middle income, and low income panels. In the empirical part, we draw on the growth theory and augment the classical growth model, which consists of capital stock, labor force and inflation, with CO2 emissions and energy. Generally, we show mixed results about the interrelationship between renewable energy, non-renewable energy consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth.
“There are days when you feel alone”: Exploring EFL teachers’ perception of interaction in online classes
Authors: Carcamo Morales Benjamin
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 has made many educational institutions shift to virtual learning environments. One of the main issues in doing so has been the types of interactions that are generated online. Considering the importance of interaction in second language acquisition, it is relevant to learn how EFL teachers are facing the challenge of fostering interaction in the virtual classrooms. The purpose of this study was twofold: First, we explored EFL Chilean university teachers’ use of digital tools in their virtual classrooms to promote interaction. Secondly, we analyzed the obstacles they have faced promoting interaction. Our findings show that although EFL teachers have not had difficulties implementing different digital tools and platforms, interactions among learners are lacking.  Students keeping microphones and cameras off has become a variable that reduces the possibility of knowing whether students are paying attention, monitoring their work, and setting up groupwork. An alarming finding was that this issue may increase EFL teachers’ feeling of isolation in the virtual classroom. We expect our findings help institutions focus their efforts on supporting EFL teachers teaching online as well as propel future studies on effective teaching practices to promote interaction among learners in virtual classrooms.