bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese EFL Learners' Perceptions of English Speaking Difficulties in Thailand
Authors: Jiang Hui , Phusawisot Pilanut
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate (1) the factors affecting Chinese EFL learners' difficulties when speaking English, (2) the levels of English speaking difficulties experienced by Chinese EFL learners, and (3) how they perceive teachers' help to overcome such difficulties. Eighty-five non-English major Chinese postgraduate students at a Thai university participated in this study. This study used a mixed-methods design that included a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire. Content analysis was used to look for themes that emerged from the data obtained from the semi-structured interview. The finding indicated that linguistic factors were the most influential for non-English major Chinese postgraduate students at a Thai university when speaking English. Moreover, this study also found that the overall mean score of 85 non-English major Chinese postgraduate students at a Thai university who participated in the survey was 3.66 out of 5 in English speaking difficulties, which indicated that the 85 participants generally experienced a high level of English speaking difficulties. Furthermore, the results revealed in the semi-structured interviews can be divided into five themes: teaching pronunciation, teaching vocabulary, offering more opportunities for English speaking, reducing criticism, and giving positive feedback.
Psikolojik Sağlamlığın Presenteeism (İşte Var Ol(a)mama) Davranışı Üzerindeki Etkisi: İlkokul Öğretmenleri Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: ÖZEL Efekan Taha , ERBAŞI Ali
Published: July 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, psikolojik sağlamlık düzeyinin presenteeism (işte var ol(a)mama) davranışı üzerindeki etkisini ilkokul öğretmenleri örnekleminde incelemektir. Araştırmanın evrenini Konya ilindeki merkez ilçelerde (Selçuklu, Meram ve Karatay) bulunan ilkokullarda görevli öğretmenler oluşturmaktadır (N=3.359). Araştırmada evrendeki ilkokullardan tesadüfi olarak seçilenlere gidilerek gönüllülük esasına bağlı olarak anketler gerçekleştirilmiştir (n=357). Araştırmanın bulgularına göre katılımcı ilkokul öğretmenlerinin orta düzeyde psikolojik sağlamlık ve orta düzeyde presenteeism davranışına sahip oldukları görülmektedir. Elde edilen regresyon analizi bulguları, ilkokul öğretmenlerinin psikolojik sağlamlık düzeylerinin, presenteeism davranışlarının anlamlı ve pozitif bir yordayıcısı olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Buna göre presenteeism davranışlarına ilişkin değişimin %56,9’unun psikolojik sağlamlık değişkeni ile açıklanabileceği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. İşe gitmedikleri durumlarda öğrencilerinin yalnız kalacağı ve akademik açıdan akranlarından geri kalabileceği, böyle bir durumda mesai arkadaşlarının iş yükünün artması gibi çeşitli güdülerden dolayı öğretmenlerin presenteeism davranışlarının diğer birçok meslekten farklı sonuçlar vermesinin doğal olduğu düşünülmektedir. Psikolojik sağlamlık ve presenteeism kavramlarının yönetim biliminde daha sık kullanılması gerektiği, kavramlar arasındaki ilişkiye yönelik elde edilen bulguların sonraki araştırmalar tarafından kıyaslama konusu edilmesi ve bu iki kavram arasındaki ilişkiye aracılık eden faktörlerin belirlenmesi önerilebilir.
Como otimizar o prazo de atendimento das solicitações de contratação de serviço
Authors: De Castro Fabrícia Tinôco , Da Silva Raicileide Bezerra , De Souza Yara Silva , Roberto José Carlos Alves , Souto Sistina Pereira
Published: July 2023

Este artigo tem o intuito de apresentar fatores que tornam o setor de compras eficaz e eficiente em seu processo. Veremos quão importante é para as empresas adotarem uma estratégia de compras adequada às suas necessidades, para que  possam desenvolver as melhorias necessárias e conseguir reduzir os prazos de atendimento das solicitações de serviços, que é um dos indicadores que impactam nos resultados das áreas solicitantes e da área de compras, outro indicador é o número expressivo de solicitações no farol emergencial, que por falta de planejamento entram em grande quantidade para área de compras atender como prioridade, aumentando o prazo de demandas usuais. Por isso, envolver as áreas na etapa estratégica do planejamento é um fator de melhoria que a pesquisa irá pontuar, trazendo o que pode ser desenvolvido junto com uma comunicação integrada e o uso de novas tecnologias. Na implantação será essencial aplicar uma mudança rápida dos processos e atuar nas melhorias de atendimento. Por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica encontramos livros e publicações que descrevem a abordagem de soluções sobre os temas gestão de compras, planejamento de compras e processos de contratação de serviços. Com a análise do conteúdo da pesquisa qualitativa identificamos as etapas de contratação que otimizam os prazos de atendimento das solicitações de contratação de serviços e descrevem as etapas do fluxo. Utilizando a pesquisa explicativa podemos determinar quais fatores contribuem para a melhoria contínua e o desenvolvimento do planejamento estratégico na organização. A melhoria está interligada ao treinamento e a comunicação, como a comunicação está interligada ao uso de novas tecnologias, esses fatores serão importantes para tomada de decisão durante a implantação de um planejamento estratégico assertivo, considerando quais são as particularidades da cultura da empresa e o que cada área tem como objetivo para alcançar a excelência e qualidade nas suas atividades. Assim, a pesquisa irá mostrar que é possível estruturar os processos com as soluções apresentadas para as melhorias e alcance dos objetivos da área de compras das organizações.
Os desafios da operacionalização das políticas públicas sociais voltadas para as pessoas idosas no âmbito da cidade de Manaus
Authors: Souza Iolene de Jesus , De Souza Tássia Milena Pires , Roberto José Carlos Alves , Souto Sistina Pereira
Published: July 2023

O número de pessoas no Brasil vem aumentando, e Manaus acompanha esse processo, tal qual segundo dados do IBGE Amazonas, entre 2012 e 2021 aumentou de 249 mil para 381 mil (de 7% para 9,3%). O aumento dessa faixa etária traz diversos desafios para a sociedade civil, sendo assim este trabalho tem como objetivo geral discutir a temática das políticas públicas sociais para idosos no âmbito da cidade de Manaus na atualidade. Assim, trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de cunho exploratório, através de artigos, livros, dissertações, legislação vigente, e uma busca em bases de dados online, livros e revistas científicas, que poderá servir de base para outros acadêmicos e pesquisadores da área, reunindo referências atualizadas. As políticas sociais locais apesar de serem extremamente importantes ainda enfrentam diversos desafios em sua implementação que garantam o cumprimento efetivo da proteção social, inclusão e a ampliação dos direitos dos idosos.
Ações da atenção primária á saúde voltadas para pessoas autistas
Authors: Praia Gisleine dos Santos , De Souza Patricia Soares , Da Rocha Pollyana Uchôa , Roberto José Carlos Alves , Souto Sistina Pereira
Published: July 2023

O presente trabalho bibliográfico visa as ações da Atenção Primária de Saúde voltada para autistas. O Tema a ser abordado trará reflexões importante para a sociedade como um todo e para o mundo acadêmico trazendo novas contribuições, pois ainda há uma escassez sobre o assunto, tornando-se necessário um estudo bibliográfico refletindo como problema de quais seriam as ações oferecidas pelas Unidades básica de Saúde para os usuários autistas. Nesse sentido, analisar as ações das políticas públicas na atenção primária voltada para o público autista torna-se necessário para a implementação de novas políticas públicas que possam suprir as novas demandas que surgem na sociedade atual. Têm-se na Metodologia adotada a natureza da pesquisa com dados qualitativos, com fins descritivos voltadas para uma problemática para a pessoa com TEA, e como meios têm-se a pesquisa Bibliográfica com consulta  na plataforma do Google acadêmico. Então, conclui-se na revisão bibliográfica de que ainda necessita de avanços na Atenção Primária a Saúde voltadas o Autismo e ainda há desafios encontrados tantos por profissionais de saúde e usuários no entendimento do tema para acessar os direitos básicos na saúde.
Redes sociais na comunicação governo-cidadão: estudo de caso em uma secretaria de saúde de uma cidade do estado do Amazonas
Authors: Vieira Jemiffer Karol Rodrigues , Santos Roberta Monique da Silva , Da Penha Pedro Xavier
Published: July 2023

As redes sociais têm a cada dia ultrapassado as fronteiras do papel inicial para as quais foram criadas. Hoje, são um importante elemento na comunicação, seja entre usuários, entre empresas, entre empresas e clientes e também entre cidadãos e governo. Com base nisso, esta pesquisa buscou descrever o papel das redes sociais de uma secretaria de saúde, pertencente à prefeitura de uma cidade localizada no estado do Amazonas, na ampliação do acesso às informações governamentais pelos cidadãos.  Para a coleta de dados esta pesquisa utilizou questionários via Google Formulários, aplicados via internet, a 208 cidadãos do município alvo do estudo.  Antes de iniciar sua participação efetiva na pesquisa, na resposta das questões do formulário, os participantes tiveram acesso ao Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE) o qual continha orientações, objetivos e os aspectos éticos da pesquisa.  O formulário aplicado continha 28 questões, sendo 26 fechadas e 2 abertas, divididas em quatro seções. Os resultados demonstraram que as redes sociais mais utilizadas pelos participantes da pesquisa são o WhatsApp, Instagram e Facebook. Utilizam as redes sociais muito frequentemente, principalmente para entretenimento. Como fonte de informação utilizam WhatsApp e Instagram. Do total de participantes, 50,50% seguem as redes sociais da secretaria de saúde alvo deste estudo e acessam o conteúdo para acompanhar informações gerais sobre notícias sobre a área da saúde do município (61%) e obter informações sobre as ações voltadas à área de saúde realizadas pela Secretaria (55,20%). Apesar de avaliarem positivamente fatores como conteúdo publicado, objetividade, clareza e transparência; os participantes ao avaliarem a interação da secretaria com os cidadãos relataram que nunca receberam feedbacks de mensagens deixadas nestas redes (52,40%) o que demonstra uma maior necessidade de aproximação com os cidadãos para uma comunicação mais efetiva.
A tecnologia como conjunto de técnicas na simulação clínica em enfermagem
Authors: Santos Isaac Sebastião Nunes , De Souza Cláudio José , Silvino Zenith Rosa Silvino , Escudeiro Cristina Lavoyer , Vilar Andréa Maria Alves , Azevedo Thatyana Telles , Ferreira Raphaella de Almeida
Published: July 2023

Refletir sobre os conceitos-chave da obra de Álvaro Vieira Pinto e sua aplicabilidade na gestão do cuidado de enfermagem na simulação clínica. Estudo teórico-reflexivo, que parte das concepções filosóficas e epistemológicas do filósofo Álvaro Vieira Pinto, afim de pensar sua aplicabilidade para a gestão do cuidado de enfermagem, por meio da simulação clínica. Utilizaram-se, como fonte de dados para subsidiar as reflexões, as obras de Álvaro Vieira Pinto, com vistas a apresentar uma abordagem ampliada e contextuada. As proposições de Álvaro Vieira Pinto se aplicaram e, ao mesmo tempo, sustentaram a reflexão teórica sobre o uso da simulação clínica para gestão dos cuidados de enfermagem. Enquanto técnica, a simulação desenvolveu-se com o passar dos anos e deu origem a diversas estratégias, que estimularam o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias, como forma de melhorar a capacitação do estudante e do profissional da área da saúde.
Percepções de jovens quilombolas: um estudo sobre identidade e resiliência
Authors: Vieira André Guirland , Gedrat Dóris Cristina , De Almeida Neto Honor , Martins Mauro Henrique Franzkowiak
Published: July 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi provocar nos participantes uma reflexão sobre sua própria condição e ajudá-los a desenvolver estratégias para lidar com as dificuldades impostas pelas adversidades do meio sociocultural em que vivem. Adotou-se o modelo de Grupo Focal de Intervenção, em que um grupo de adolescentes foi levado a construir histórias sobre suas próprias vidas, enfocando a experiência de serem negros e residentes de um quilombo. Dentre as nove histórias produzidas, oito giraram em torno do tema da discriminação racial. O sentimento de exclusão social pelas diferenças na cor da pele e nas raízes culturais africanas mostrou-se muito forte entre os participantes, assim como surgiu de forma enfática a necessidade da aquisição de elementos que os ajudassem a se posicionar positivamente na sociedade contra o preconceito. Foi possível concluir que os jovens em situação de vulnerabilidade, ao construírem narrativas de vida coerentes, organizando a temática da vinculação e das relações interpessoais através de uma ressignificação das experiências adversas, passaram a lidar melhor com os elementos traumáticos presentes em situações por eles vivenciadas.
Análise dos custos das tecnologias em saúde para o tratamento do pé diabético: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Almeida Júnior Manoel de Jesus , Abreu Ludmilla Pinto Guiotti Cintra , Abreu Ronaldo Gonçalves , Chaves Maurício de Oliveira , Luz Glécia Virgolino da Silva , Rosa Mário Fabrício Fleury
Published: July 2023

O Diabetes Mellitus (DM) é uma doença metabólica, crônica, não transmissível, com etiopatogenia heterogênica, desencadeada por defeitos na secreção e/ou ação da insulina, ocasionando distúrbios do metabolismo de carboidratos, gorduras e proteínas. É um problema de saúde pública por sua prevalência, morbimortalidade e complicações. A International Diabetes Federation (IDF) registrou 537 milhões de indivíduos adultos (20 – 79 anos) com DM em 2021, sendo 75% deles em países com baixa e média renda. O Brasil é o 4º país do mundo em casos de DM, e 50% dos diabéticos não possuem conhecimento do diagnóstico. Diagnosticar e tratar de forma precoce previnem e retardam complicações agudas ou crônicas, micro e macrovasculares, renais e neurológicas, minimizando a mortalidade e morbidade, e reduzindo o custo para as famílias e para o sistema de saúde. O tempo de diagnóstico da DM está associado ao aumento do risco de desenvolver doenças do pé diabético, sendo uma das complicações mais frequente. O gasto em saúde com portadores de DM é de US$ 727 bilhões de dólares anuais, mensurado pela IDF em 2021. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a eficiência econômica das tecnologias disponibilizadas para o tratamento de feridas e úlceras nos pés de pacientes com DM tipo I e II. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática em que diferentes fontes foram analisadas e discutidas. Como resultado foram triados 10 artigos elegíveis, sendo 05 ensaios clínicos randomizados. Observou-se que a telemedicina foi eficaz e gerou economia significativa ao sistema de saúde, e o aloenxerto humano desidratado de âmnio e córion apresentou melhor custo-utilidade se comparado ao tratamento padrão isolado gerando economia. Foi verificado um significativo ônus econômico e sanitário na área de saúde, evidenciando a urgência de políticas públicas voltadas a prevenção. Observou-se ainda a necessidade de identificar melhores tecnologias em saúde e seu custo-benefício. Pode-se concluir que a telemedicina se mostrou mais eficiente que os demais ao triar de forma rápida as úlceras do pé diabético, foi eficaz no curso do tratamento, e se mostrou economicamente viável e com menor custo. O tratamento com o aloenxerto humano desidratado de âmnio e córion foi o que apresentou melhor custo-utilidade. Outros estudos econômicos e projetos de intervenção são necessários para inserir essas mudanças no sistema de saúde de forma permanente, melhorando o tratamento e o prognóstico dos pacientes com úlceras do pé diabético, e reduzindo os custos relacionados.
Event Marketing Model in the Process of Building Customer Value in the Fashion Sector
Authors: Szymczyk Justyna
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the study is to present the phenomenon of using event marketing as a tool for building customer value in the process approach. The conducted procedure shows that in the mature (optimal) phase, event marketing builds customer value. At the same time the research presents four levels of event marketing maturity. The formulated research hypotheses are aimed at confirming that event marketing builds customer value when it reaches the level of maturity, and at determining the key factors that influence building customer value. The research presents the event marketing model in the process of building customer value as well as four conditions for its effective implementation in the fashion sector.
Digital Revolution in Fashion Industry To What Extent Can Metaverse Become A Predominant Business-To-Customer Model in the Digital Era
Authors: Dewalska-Opitek Anna
Published: July 2023

In the context of the wide-spread digitalization that we have witnessed, the fashion industry and companies need to redefine their business logics towards models incorporating virtual opportunities and benefits of Metaverse. The main purpose of the study is to identify how fashion companies develop their relationship with customers using Metaverse as a business model. The theoretical deliberation, based on critical literature review, was supplemented by empirical research conducted in a form of a case study based on two luxury brands, i.e. Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana. In conclusion it may be stated that luxury fashion brands may successfully adopt their business models to Metaverse undertaking a variety of business actions.
The Crucial Role of Festival Insurance
Authors: Nowotarska-Romaniak Beata , Szczepanik Sonia
Published: July 2023

Festivals, being one of the most planned forms of entertainment, bring people together to enjoy art. Such valuable gatherings not only provide great entertainment but also increase the risk that has always been prevalent in large crowds. However, festival organizers can be protected from the harmful consequences of unforeseen occurrences thanks to insurance contracts. In their article, the authors based on literature analysis research, present the legal aspects of festival insurance in Poland.
Cultural And Social Implications of Revitalization Determined by the Potential of The Creative Environment. An Example of the Rakow - Czestochowa District
Authors: Pabian Aleksander
Published: July 2023

One of the contemporary trends in the development of Polish cities is revitalization leading to improved functionality, aesthetics and improved quality of life for residents. An example of a district where revitalization activities are currently undertaken is Rakw in Czstochowa. After the political changes of the 20th century, this working-class district fell into social degradation, opening up a space for unemployment, poverty and pathologies. Activities related to the restoration of functional, aesthetic, architectural and, above all, socio-cultural order became a chance for its reconstruction. The article presents revitalization activities carried out in this area in terms of the concept of a creative environment, as well as the conditions affecting their effectiveness. The article is of a review nature. The basis of the research was a library and internet query, as well as a critical analysis of the literature, used as part of the desk research method. The author also refers to the results of conversations with the inhabitants of the district and people involved in revitalization. The results of this study may be useful in initiating and carrying out any revitalization activities in post-industrial areas of other Polish cities.
Artists Reputation And Prices of Artworks
Authors: Szyszka Adrianna
Published: July 2023

The price of an artwork depends on many factors, including aspects related to the artwork itself, sales or the artist. Among the artist-related price determinants, the artists reputation can be distinguished. The artists reputation is an intangible aspect which makes it a challenge to include it in art pricing models. How is this concept defined and operationalized in art market research? Artists reputation refers to two dimensions renown and recognition and is also linked to other constructs like fame or stardom. The following ways to measure reputation, among others, have been considered in the studies: the average price of an artwork, highest selling price, the number of artworks in an artists oeuvre, the prestige of institutions hosting exhibitions of artists artworks or the number of the artists name search on Google. Reputation is also relevant to various phenomena observed in the art market such as the death effect.
Å «bygge bro» mellom skole og lærerutdanning
Authors: Risan Maiken
Published: July 2023

Denne artikkelen utforsker hvordan lærerutdannere skaper kunnskapsrelasjoner mellom skole og høyere utdanning ved å framheve arbeidet til lærere i kombinasjonsstillinger. Som lærere og lærerutdannere danner denne informantgruppen et interessant utgangs­punkt for å utforske arbeidet til profesjonsutøvere som forventes å «bygge bro» mellom to kunnskapsdomener. Basert på observasjonsdata og intervju med lærere i kombina­sjonsstillinger og lærerutdanningsledere, viser funnene hvordan lærere i kombinasjons­stillinger utfører grensearbeid som kobler dem til – eller distanserer dem fra – forskning og teori på campus, hvordan de mobiliserer praksiskunnskap og skaper kunnskaps­relasjoner, og hvordan de forhandler spenninger. Funnene illustrerer at en sentral del av grensearbeidet til lærere i kombinasjonsstillinger innebærer å avklare egen relasjon til forskning og teori, og det kan videre synes at lærere i kombinasjonsstillinger distanserer seg fra forskning fordi de ikke inkluderes i forskningspraksiser på campus. Artikkelen diskuterer nødvendigheten av å tydeliggjøre forventningene til lærerutdannere som jobber på tvers av kunnskapsdomener, og belyser potensialet i å framheve den unike ekspertisen slike kombinasjonsstillinger bringer til campusbasert lærerutdanning.
SERTIFIKASI HAK MILIK ATAS TANAH YANG BERASAL DARI BEKAS HAK MILIK TANAH ADAT
Authors: Eddie  , Hadin Muhjad  , Suprapto
Published: July 2023

After the UUPA came into effect, all land rights throughout Indonesia were subject to land law regulated by the UUPA, in fact in society there were still rights to land from customary law, so that the conversion was carried out from an atmosphere of customary law to become UUPA. For legal certainty over land rights, the Head of the National Land Agency issued a special policy on customary land registration procedures.
How to convert CO2 to bioplastics in the age of global warming
Authors: Bose Arpita
Published: July 2023

How to convert CO2 to bioplastics in the age of global warming

Arpita Bose, PhD, Associate Professor, describes how to convert CO2 to bioplastics through new bugs and novel tools with a focus on fighting global warming. Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) which trap heat in the atmosphere and warms the globe, is becoming increasing prevalent with unsustainable human activity and mass production. To tackle this, we need to begin looking to bioplastics to transition away from traditional petroleum products polluting our environment. While some sources of emissions causing global warming are natural, (e.g., volcanoes), the rate and intensity of natural emissions are not enough to cause the drastic temperature change observed in past decades. Nature is not contributing significantly to global warming; we are.
Clinical trial challenges for new technology in radiation oncology
Authors: Kry Stephen
Published: July 2023

Clinical trial challenges for new technology in radiation oncology

Stephen Kry, Professor from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, explores clinical trial challenges for new technology in radiation oncology, including the radiotherapy treatment technique, proton therapy. While novel drugs must show efficacy before they are approved for clinical use, there is no such requirement for the new technologies that drive development in radiation oncology. As long as the technology is shown to be safe, it can be implemented. One advantage of this is that it allows new treatments to be implemented very quickly into clinical practice as there are relatively few scientific and regulatory requirements. On the other hand, there is little data to demonstrate which patients stand to benefit or the degree of benefit received by the patient. Expensive new therapies are, therefore, often implemented with little more than a theoretical justification. Despite not being required, clinical trials comparing novel treatments to traditional ones are the most clear and robust method for establishing the value and efficacy of these advancements.
Does England have a bias against ethnic minority teachers?
Authors: See Beng Huat
Published: July 2023

Does England have a bias against ethnic minority teachers?

85% of teachers in England are White British, and 46% of schools have no racially diverse teachers at all. Does this mean England has a bias against ethnic minority teachers? Beng Huat See from Durham Evidence Centre for Education explores. Around 70% of the working population is recorded as White British, but 85% of all teachers in state-funded schools in England are White British. This makes teaching a particularly White profession. Around 66% of the student population is White British, but 86% of teachers and teaching assistants and 93% of school leaders are White British by ethnic background (Gov.UK 2021). There represents a mismatch between the ethnic makeup of teachers and pupil numbers overall.
The challenges of practising intellectual humility with deeply held religious beliefs
Authors: Hill Peter C
Published: July 2023

The challenges of practising intellectual humility with deeply held religious beliefs

Peter C. Hill explores the challenges associated with practising IH with deeply held religious beliefs in his fourth of a five-article series on the topic of intellectual humility (IH). Looking at the contentious nature of much religious dialogue and strongly held religious beliefs – where roughly two-thirds of the world’s population consider religion to be important for daily living – it is no surprise that the domain of religion is fertile ground to study the social effects of intellectual humility. Religion, because its concerns are heavily weighted with strong existential issues, is, for many, a certainty-driven motivation. Thus, one may fear discovering that they could be wrong, which, in turn, can undermine one’s religious meaning system’s sense of coherence and certainty reinforced by strongly held religious beliefs. Analysing the intellect in intellectual humility, types of psychological processes and reasoning, and what research says about religious beliefs and teachings, Hill explains how religion will likely serve as a non-negotiable moral conviction and, as such, changing one’s religious beliefs should not be considered a necessary criterion for IH.
Towards One Health Intelligence surveillance systems
Authors: George Janeth , Beda Eric , Sindato Calvin
Published: July 2023

Towards One Health Intelligence surveillance systems

The increase in global diseases and other health threats in recent decades has necessitated the importance of strengthening our surveillance systems towards early detection and monitoring of drivers. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of countries to such global health threats, which requires collective actions beyond individual organisations and countries (Agenda 2024, 2020). There was a global call to strengthen health surveillance systems (WHO, 2007; FAO, OIE and WHO, 2010), and countries deliberated to depart from traditional reactive surveillance to novel proactive approaches, including integration of the systems (Shuai et al., 2006; Wahl et al., 2012; Lwin et al., 2014).
CB2R agonists in the clinics: A treasure chest for treating inflammatory diseases
Authors: Grether Uwe , Nazaré Marc
Published: July 2023

CB2R agonists in the clinics: A treasure chest for treating inflammatory diseases

Activation of the type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) holds great potential for treating diseases with an inflammatory component, researchers Uwe Grether and Marc Nazaré find. This G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) is a key element of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an important lipid signaling system, and in these numerous small molecule activators, so-called CB2R agonists, there is a high efficacy in preclinical disease models for treating a multitude of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, lung, neurodegenerative/ neuroinflammatory, skin pathologies, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, and eye diseases. Analysing the roles of CB2R agonists in science and treatment, the researchers look at using cannabis sativa for selective CB2R agonists, success from clinical trials with CB2R agonists, and their potential for treating multiple diseases.
Diversifying the transition to renewable energy in Taiwan
Authors: Kirkland Brad
Published: July 2023

Diversifying the transition to renewable energy in Taiwan

MMA Global Aqua discuss the transition from the traditional uses of oil and gas to renewable energy in Taiwan, describing the challenges, benefits and skills needed in the transition. The transition from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy in Taiwan presents both challenges and opportunities. On the challenge side, professionals must adapt to a different industry landscape, including new technologies and practices specific to renewable energy. They also need to understand the regulations and policies governing the renewables sector in Taiwan, which may differ significantly from those in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the language barrier poses a significant obstacle, making effective communication and collaboration more challenging. However, amidst these challenges lie a number of opportunities.
LIFU for major depressive disorder - Targeting the neural networks of depression
Authors: Costa Tiago
Published: July 2023

LIFU for major depressive disorder - Targeting the neural networks of depression

Tiago Costa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Microelectronics, Delft University of Technology, discusses opportunities surrounding low-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of major depressive disorder in a minimally invasive manner. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and debilitating mental health condition affecting millions worldwide. While various treatment options exist, including medication and psychotherapy, a significant proportion of individuals with MDD do not achieve full remission or experience adverse side effects from existing treatments. Consequently, there is a need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches to address this complex disorder. One emerging and promising area of research is the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to treat major depressive disorder. LIFU is a non-invasive technique that utilises ultrasound waves at lower intensities compared to high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which is used for the thermal ablation of tissue. By focusing these ultrasound waves on specific brain regions, LIFU has shown potential in modulating neural activity and potentially alleviating depressive symptoms.
Food webs and fish: Ocean climate change in Alaska
Authors: Suryan Robert M
Published: July 2023

Food webs and fish: Ocean climate change in Alaska

Open Access Government talks to ocean climate expert Dr. Robert Suryan, who is the lead of an ecosystem studies program at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Auke Bay Laboratories. Dr. Suryan, who is also the science lead for Gulf Watch Alaska Long-term Ecosystem Research and Monitoring program, focuses on understanding population and community dynamics in response to changing food availability and ocean climate in Juneau, Alaska. His specific research topics and research methodologies include food web and trophic ecology using diet and stable isotope analyses, predator foraging ecology using individual-based tracking integrated with prey and habitat data, and environmental change effects on fish health and survival using lipid, energy, and morphological measures to assess overall body condition.
Business and human rights in Japan: An overview
Authors: Sugawara Emi
Published: July 2023

Business and human rights in Japan: An overview

Professor Emi Sugawara from Osaka University of Economics and Law, Faculty of International Studies, walks us through the critical development of Japan’s policies concerning business and human rights. Recently, policy trends related to business and human rights have been characterised by their rapid and overwhelming nature. Since the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) was endorsed in 2011, 26 countries, including Japan, have formulated a national action plan on business and human rights (NAP). As national legislations have emerged to mandate human rights due diligence and information disclosure, the EU’s proposal on the Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence draws attention. The effective abolition of forced labour in global supply chains was also discussed at this year’s G7 summit hosted by Japan.(1) Additionally, the crackdown against the opposition to military rule in Myanmar, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and a just transition to climate change are also important issues in the context of business and human rights.
Pioneering biomass transformation to unique multifunctional/ biocompatible ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCDTM)
Authors: Auciello Orlando
Published: July 2023

Pioneering biomass transformation to unique multifunctional/ biocompatible ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCDTM)

O. Auciello's group atThe University of Texas-Dallas is developing a new revolutionary low-cost microwave plasma pyrolysis process, implemented in a kitchen microwave oven, for biomass transformation. The novel process transforms biomass materials (e.g. fungal-mycelium, flexible hemp) from natural soil on Earth into a unique best biocompatible Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCDTM) material.. The (UNCDTM) material is made of Carbon atoms/elements of life in human DNA, cells, and molecules, enabling the development of new generations of high-tech and external/implantable medical devices/prostheses to improve the quality of life of people worldwide.
Finding common ground: The delicate balance of political compromise in democracy
Authors: Velden Mariken A.C.G. van der
Published: July 2023

Finding common ground: The delicate balance of political compromise in democracy

Associate Professor of Political Communication, Mariken A.C.G. van der Velden, explores the complexities of political compromise, including its impact on political representation and citizen support. Political compromise plays a crucial role in representative democracies, especially in multiparty consensus democracies. In such systems, nearly all political decision-making is subject to compromise among political parties. Political theorists have long emphasised the significance of compromise for liberal democracy. They argue that compromise is essential because it reflects a pluralistic view on partisanship and acknowledges the legitimacy of competing political claims for the common good.
AARS urzymes: Experimental biochemistry to map genetic coding
Authors: Carter Charlie
Published: July 2023

AARS urzymes: Experimental biochemistry to map genetic coding

Dr Charlie Carter from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explores how advances in enzymology and phylogenetics enable biochemical measurements that could map the ancestral development of genetic coding. Chemical reactions in the cell degrade energy-rich food molecules and rearrange their chemical bonds into other molecules necessary to construct and sustain living things far from chemical equilibrium. Those reactions occur spontaneously at rates that span an extraordinary range, the fastest going up to 1025 times faster than the slowest. (1) All these reactions must be accelerated by different amounts to maintain adequate concentrations of chemical components in the cell. Enzymes perform that differential acceleration exquisitely well.
Exploring the possibilities of bacteriophages for tuberculosis
Authors: Hatfull Graham F.
Published: July 2023

Exploring the possibilities of bacteriophages for tuberculosis

Bacteriophages have long offered prospects for treating bacterial infections. Is it time to use phages to control tuberculosis? Professor Graham F. Hatfull explores this. Bacteriophages – phages for short – are viruses that infect bacteria. They were discovered about 100 years ago and are prevalent throughout the biosphere and indeed throughout our bodies. Phages infect and kill bacteria as they replicate, and because of this antibacterial action, they have long been recognized as having therapeutic potential. This potential was largely side-lined once broad-acting antibiotics were discovered, but the troubling emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance has prompted the revisitation of bacteriophage therapeutics.
Managing patients with diabetes in rural underserved areas
Authors: Santen Richard J
Published: July 2023

Managing patients with diabetes in rural underserved areas

Professor Richard J. Santen, MD from the University of Virginia, explains the need for retired endocrinologists returning to work to manage patients with diabetes in America’s rural underserved areas. Patients with diabetes living in rural, underserved areas frequently experience less than adequate health outcomes, often exacerbated by higher rates of poverty, lack of health insurance and insufficient primary care and specialist providers. While this is a shocking situation, it is also an opportunity. Many retired doctors are eager to offer their services and are looking for ways to reach out and help. Herein lies an opportunity to connect retired endocrinologists via telemedicine with patients attending these rural community health centers, Professor Santen says. He argues that the solution is telemedicine – for example, a doctor in Alabama would not have to leave home to help a person in an underserved rural community hundreds of miles away. Detailed reports of the findings and recommendations can take time, but, various digital dictation software programs are available, which are highly accurate and secure. Dr Santen comments that he knows of many specialists who have built highly successful careers and can now retire and enjoy the financial benefits of their hard work
Genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colours
Authors: Simon Philipp
Published: July 2023

Genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colours

We hear from Philipp Simon, from the USDA, Agricultural Research Service & University of Wisconsin, Madison, about how a kaleidoscope of colors reveals new genetic mechanisms of pigment accumulation in carrot colors. Most consumers in the Western world today are only familiar with orange carrots, and while orange is the color of most carrots grown globally today, red carrots are widely grown in Asia. Furthermore, the predominant color of carrots was not always orange. In fact, yellow and purple were the original colors of carrots in Central Asia (especially Afghanistan) over 1,000 years ago, where carrots were likely first widely grown as a root crop. But since cultivated carrots were domesticated from wild carrots, let’s start with the history of carrot colors with wild carrots, often called Queen Anne’s Lace. Wild carrots occur widely around the world today as a weed growing along roadsides and in vacant lots, and they have white roots, which are edible and taste like carrots, albeit often with a strong carrot flavor. There is no written history documenting the development of the first yellow and purple cultivated carrots, but we deduce that the first domesticators of carrots likely first foraged local wild carrots growing in the countryside of Central Asia, went back to gather seed from more palatable wild populations, and started cultivating that seed where they eventually found that some of those early cultivated carrots were yellow and purple. Beyond the unrecorded very early domestication history of carrot, written (albeit scant) historical records document yellow and purple carrots in Afghanistan, then Iran and northern Arabia in the 10th century. Carrots were then reported in Syria and Anatolia in the 11th century, north Africa and Spain in the 12th century, Italy in the 13th century, and northern Europe in the 14th century. Early carrots were also carried by traders east of Central Asia to China by the 13th century. With their introduction to Asia, red carrots were developed, becoming a prominent color of Asian carrots.
Industrial organization: understanding the mechanisms of market structures
Authors: Legros Patrick
Published: July 2023

Industrial organization: understanding the mechanisms of market structures

Patrick Legros, Professor of Econonmics at Université libre de Bruxelles, explores how Industrial Organization can help understand the positive and normative consequences of different market structures through three main topics: The OIO approach and reverse causality, market power enhancement: regulation and divestitures, and market power and the quiet life. He begins by analysing when and why do mergers or divestitures happen, and the degrees of integration varying within and across industries, even when controlling for exogenous differences. Professor Legros also looks to how can we explain the heterogeneity in performance among seemingly identical firms. Overall, he demonstrates that fringe firms can co-exist with powerful firms and that concentration increases with the market size, suggesting a demand-side driver of recent trends that profit margins and market concentration increase in many industries. Noting that stable oligopolies may lead to a market price that is inferior to the price in a perfectly competitive structure.
Future technology: Multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves
Authors: Moisan Michel
Published: July 2023

Future technology: Multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves

Professor Michel Moisan and his team at Université de Montréal (UdeM) explore reliable, energy-efficient and multi-purpose plasmas with microwaves for research and technology. The ability to generate ionized gases (gaseous plasmas) under required operating conditions (shape and volume of the plasma, nature of the gas (including various mixtures), and pressure) is central to many aspects of science and industry. In that respect, of particular interest are low-temperature plasmas where the electrons have high energy while the ions remain slightly above room temperature, allowing, among other things, low-energy chemistry. To achieve reproducible and low-contaminated (electrodeless) gaseous discharges, it is better to call on a high-frequency (HF) electric field: it initially accelerates a few electrons that are randomly present in the gas, which then go on to strip the outer electrons of atoms in a source gas, creating an ‘avalanche’ process, which culminates in a stationary fluid of electrons and ions – a plasma.
Recording and decoding neural signals from the vagus nerve
Authors: Durand Dominique M
Published: July 2023

Recording and decoding neural signals from the vagus nerve

Dominique M Durand, distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Ohio, USA, discusses the study of neural signals from the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a critical component of the autonomic nervous system, providing sensory input to the brain and controlling the internal organs through its parasympathetic outputs. Autonomic dysfunction has been associated with various chronic diseases such as epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Vagus-nerve stimulation has been successful in treating many diseases, particularly epilepsy, even though the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness are not well understood. In particular interest is the fact that vagal afferent fibers innervate all the body’s organs and carry information about the health and status of these organs. The majority of vagal afferent fibers come from the gut, and abnormal vagal activity has been implicated in eating and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the ability to record and interpret the vagal signals could provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of various diseases and offer potential therapeutic targets.
IC2PERMED: Fostering collaboration between Europe and China to enhance personalised medicine
Authors: Ricciardi Walter
Published: July 2023

IC2PERMED: Fostering collaboration between Europe and Chine to enhance personalised medicine

Tailoring care to meet patients’ needs can dramatically improve clinical outcomes; we hear how the IC2PerMed project is bolstering efforts in personalised medicine. Over the past twenty years, personalised medicine (PM) has shown the potential to transform healthcare by tailoring prevention, diagnosis, and therapies to meet individuals’ needs. PM uses genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental data to adapt healthcare interventions, resulting in improved health outcomes.(1) It also aims to improve the efficacy of medications and therapeutic strategies by moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. ‘Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine’ (IC2PerMed) is a coordination and support action of the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine (ICPerMed) funded by EU Horizon 2020. The initiative aims to foster common approaches between the People’s Republic of China and the EU on PM research, development, innovation, and policies, therefore promoting long-term EU-China research collaboration. (2)
Bringing history to the surface: How do historical investigations affect the ways we view out history?
Authors: Gijanto Liza
Published: July 2023

Bringing history to the surface: How do historical investigations affect the ways we view out history?

Associate Professor of Anthropology, Dr Liza Gijanto, outlines how archaeological and historical investigations are vital in revealing important insights into society’s past. As a historical archaeologist, my research is collaborative and interdisciplinary by necessity. I have partnered with chemists, geologists, historians and architectural historians. I have worked with museum professionals and government officials in the United States and The Gambia. And while research was my main focus as a graduate student to complete a Master’s and ultimately PhD, the most important aspect of all projects I have worked on during that time and since is the public benefit that can arise from archaeological research, particularly from projects that involve a range of professionals and stakeholders. The field of historical anthropology is in a privileged, though often uncomfortable, position that addresses many of the inequities in the present.
Photodynamic Therapy: Killing cancer gently with visible light
Authors: Potasek Mary , Beeson Karl , Parilov Evgueni
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic Therapy: Killing cancer gently with visible light

Drs. Mary Potasek, Evgueni Parilov, and Karl Beeson, who are all co-founders of Simphotek, Inc have been using a novel therapeutic modality known as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to treat cancer, with far fewer side effects than traditional radiation x-ray methods. By using near-infrared or “gentle” visible light, this PDT does not cause nausea as chemotherapy does, does not damage ordinary tissue as x-ray radiation does, nor does it require removing or damaging parts of the body as surgery does. Simphotek has been supported by the United States National Institute of Health (NIH) to create such a simulation research tool for solid cancers and it’s called Dosie™. Dosie is the first comprehensive tool to simulate the PDT process including the light transport, drug, and molecular oxygen interactions to create the cytotoxic agent, singlet oxygen, which kills cancer. The goal is to treat a tumor’s greatest volume with the least exposure to the major blood vessels or other sensitive areas, which the researchers hope that this clinical trial will bring them one step closer to their aim of treating patients as safely and effectively as possible.