bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Expanded Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority on COVID-19 Vaccine Rates
Authors: Le Taylor , Kelly Thomas
Published: February 2025

Background: Recent legislatures have granted expanded prescriptive authority to pharmacists with a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. This authority could include prescribing tobacco cessation products, birth controls, and antivirals for COVID-19. Although closely associated with providing preventative measures for COVID-19 in the forms of testing and vaccinations, the relationship between pharmacist prescriptive power and rate of COVID-19 vaccination remains unexplored. The objective of the study is to determine the association between pharmacist prescriptive authority and the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations between neighboring counties along state lines of states with differing laws on this prescriptive power.
Methods: States with expanded pharmacist prescriptive authority include:  New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Florida, California, North Carolina, Montana, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Counties are selected if the center of the county is within 30 miles from a state border that divides a state with expanded pharmacist prescriptive authority from a state without. Monthly vaccination data from January 2021 to December 2021 was acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and linear regression was performed and state-border-pair fixed effects was used as a control.
Results: The estimated effect of expanded prescriptive authority is an increase of five percentage points in the share of the adult population that completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series.
Conclusion: The relationship between pharmacist prescriptive authority and increased COVID-19 vaccination rates is statistically significant. The results showed that allowing pharmacist to have prescriptive powers could potentially aid in reducing vaccine hesitancy for future pandemics.
Impact of Pharmacy Student-Led Medication Counseling for New Start Anticoagulants on Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization
Authors: McCullough Hannah , Daniels Gracie , Diaz Andrew , LaDow Tiffany , Westbrook Sarah
Published: February 2025

Purpose: While there is evidence that pharmacist-led medication counseling improves patient safety and outcomes, there is conflicting evidence of the impact of pharmacy students on patient care outcomes. The objective of this study is to investigate if pharmacy student-led new-start anticoagulant medication counseling has a similar effect on healthcare utilization compared to pharmacist-led new start anticoagulant medication counseling. 
Methods: This study is a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome is a composite of unplanned patient contact (phone call or MyChart message) with healthcare providers, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge. Patients at least 18 years old that are newly started on apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin for a new pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis were included. Student- and pharmacist-led counseling data was collected from seven medical centers in central Texas between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 via chart review on Epic. 
Results: There were 575 patients included in this study. Of these, 165 (29%) patients were counseled by students, 84 (15%) patients were counseled by pharmacists, and 326 (57%) patients were not counseled at all. 440 (77%) patients had unplanned patient contact, ED visit, and/or readmission within 30 days of discharge. There was no difference in all-cause (p = 0.78) or bleeding-related (p = 0.23) composite unplanned patient contact, ED visits, and readmissions within 30 days of discharge between student- and pharmacist-led counseling.  
Conclusion: This study suggests that student-led versus pharmacist-led anticoagulant counseling shows no difference in patient outcomes and healthcare utilization.
Understanding Space Pharmacy Education for Pharmacists with the Teeter-Totter Model: If-Then Logic Model and Socio-Ecological Framework for Space Pharmacy Council
Authors: Raza Ahmer
Published: February 2025

Letter to the Editor.
Anatomía de un Homicida
Authors: Vázquez Arzabal José Luis , Hernández Hernández Gerardo
Published: February 2025

Uno de los principales problemas existentes hoy en día y cuyo alcance de afección irrumpe y desconfigura el marco social es sin lugar a duda el del asesinato. El presente trabajo aborda varias nociones fenomenológicas sobre la visión de una persona que le quita la vida a otra, incluyendo diversas posturas que tratan de dar una explicación sobre el momento crucial en el que una persona comete el acto de asesinar. Encontrando dentro de esto tanto aseveraciones de tipo biológico, como psicológico y social para poder dar una comprensión más amplia del asesino. Se analizan ciertos fenómenos más específicos que se desarrollan en Latinoamérica que, si bien no son exclusivos de esta área geográfica, si representan una actividad constante en el tema del asesinato: el sicario, termino con el que se está muy familiarizado en los países americanos de habla hispana por la historia de narcotráfico; no solo personas adultas cometen actos de asesinato dentro del crimen organizado, sino que también niños y adolescentes pueden fungir estas labores. Si bien no se dará una respuesta determinante, abriremos un panorama más amplio para poder comprender multifactorialmente lo que pasa… cuando alguien jala el gatillo.
Differences In Serum IL-6 Levels Between First-Trimester Normal Pregnancy and Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Vella Amalia  , Utama Bobby Indra , Dessy Arisanty  , Nelmi Silvia
Published: February 2025

Objectives: In spontaneous abortion cases without previously known predisposing factors, an increase proinflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin 6 (IL-6), found in local and systemic specimens compared to normal 1st -trimester pregnancies. Therefore, IL-6 is thought to have a role in implantation failure in early pregnancy resulting in spontaneous abortion. However, research on serum IL-6 levels in spontaneous abortion patients is still limited in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the difference in serum IL-6 levels in normal pregnancy 1 st - trimester and spontaneous abortion in hospitals in Padang City;
Method: This study is an analytical study with a cross-sectional design using secondary data of 21 blood serum samples from each research group at the Biomedical Laboratory of FK Unand. Samples were collected using a consecutive sampling technique. A serum examination was performed with the ELISA technique. Bivariate data analysis using Mann-Whitney statistical test based on data type and distribution;
Result: The results showed that the mean value of serum IL-6 levels was 280,56 ng/L in the normal pregnancy group in the 1st -trimester and the median value of the spontaneous abortion group was 279,78 ng/L. There was no significant difference in serum IL-6 levels in normal pregnancy in the 1st -trimester and spontaneous abortion (p = 0,980);
Conclusion: This study concluded that there was no difference in serum IL-6 levels between patients with normal pregnancy in the 1st -trimester and spontaneous abortion in hospitals in Padang City.
Keywords: Spontaneous abortion, first trimester, serum interleukin 6, cytokines, ELISA
Análisis de datos para la gestión de carteras castigadas en Contact Centers Virtuales
Authors: Leuro Camilo A. , Ospina Juan P.
Published: February 2025

Introducción: los contact center virtuales que brindan servicios BPO han experimentado un crecimiento exponencial en los sectores de atención al cliente, ventas y cobranzas en los últimos años. Este crecimiento ha impulsado una búsqueda continua de mayores niveles de eficacia y eficiencia operativa en la gestión de usuarios, especialmente en el contexto de la recuperación de carteras y la optimización de tiempos de gestión.Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es analizar datos históricos mediante técnicas de análisis de datos exploratorios y modelos de aprendizaje automático para identificar estrategias que mejoren la efectividad operativa, específicamente en términos de la cantidad de carteras recuperadas y el tiempo necesario para completar las tareas de gestión.Metodología: la metodología sigue el marco del ciclo de vida de los datos para proyectos de aprendizaje automático, abarcando seis etapas: desde la adquisición de datos hasta la implementación del modelo. Se aplicaron análisis exploratorios para comprender los patrones en los datos y luego se implementaron modelos de aprendizaje automático para prever y mejorar el rendimiento de la gestión de carteras.Resultados: los resultados obtenidos se compararon con el modelo basado en reglas utilizado actualmente por la empresa y un enfoque de gestión manual basado en la experiencia de los analistas. Los resultados muestran una mejora significativa del 21,8% en la eficacia respecto a la gestión manual y una mejora del 519,51% en comparación con el modelo basado en reglas existente.Conclusiones: el estudio demuestra que la implementación de modelos de aprendizaje automático puede mejorar considerablemente la eficiencia operativa en los contact center virtuales, superando significativamente los enfoques tradicionales basados en reglas y la gestión manual. Estos resultados destacan el potencial de la inteligencia artificial para transformar la gestión de usuarios en el ámbito de los servicios BPO, mejorando tanto la recuperación de carteras como los tiempos de ejecución de las tareas.
Advances in Robotic Rehabilitation for Lower Limb Recovery and Walking Assistance
Authors: González Mejía Sergey , Ramírez Scarpetta José M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Rehabilitation engineering for human gait is a rapidly growing field that automates therapeutic interventions, reducing the physical effort required from therapists. This allows therapists to focus on applying clinical protocols for physical training and motor re-learning. The assisted robotic rehabilitation systems also enable the assessment of motor recovery by measuring key parameters such as force patterns, interaction dynamics, and angular movements.
Objective: The objective of this study is to provide a descriptive review of robotic platforms designed for the rehabilitation and assistance of human gait.
Methods: Given the rapid advancements in exoskeleton technology, particular emphasis was placed on incorporating the most recent studies. However, due to the topic's complexity, a broader research timeframe, spanning the last 14 years, was also considered. The review followed a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases, including Springer Nature, Google Scholar, IEEE/ASME, Sage, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, MDPI, Frontiers, Elsevier, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and John Wiley & Sons, aiming to identify all relevant technologies related to lower limb exoskeletons.
Results: Rehabilitation and assistance robotics is a multidisciplinary field, covering areas such as biomechanics, human-machine interaction, control strategies, actuator design, and sensor integration. This study contributes a classification table that summarizes the most representative rehabilitation robotic platforms, highlighting their features and differences using comparative variables.
Conclusion: The descriptive analysis shows that overground gait trainers are the most advanced and widely used systems in rehabilitation robotics, emphasizing their effectiveness in meeting the complex needs of gait rehabilitation, making them a critical focus for future research.
A VELHICE E A MODA TECENDO REFLEXÕES SOBRE A TENDÊNCIA GRANDPACORE
Authors: Teixeira Débora Pires , Dantas Ítalo José de Medeiros , Soares Júnior Glauber , Batista Fabiano Eloy Atílio
Published: February 2025

A grandpacore foi apontada como uma das principais tendências de consumo de moda de 2024 e o objetivo desse artigo é produzir uma análise das representações do vestir na velhice a partir dos discursos produzidos por essa estética e correlacionar essas interpretações com a perspectiva imagética do próprio idoso e do mercado de moda. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa assume um delineamento Qualitativo, Exploratório e Documental, com coleta de dados realizada em sites de revistas de moda, femininas e jornais, na plataforma de vídeos Tiktok, em sites de lojas virtuais de produtos destinados às pessoas idosas e em perfis de influenciadores digitais idosos com relevante número de seguidores e a presença de produção de conteúdo sobre moda. Percebeu-se que as imagens produzidas pela microtendência grandpacore conferem com os discursos idadistas sobre o vestir na velhice propagados por editoriais de moda, bem como com as representações sociais que os jovens fazem da velhice e as lojas virtuais de produtos para idosos destinam-se a pessoas doentes e incapacitadas. Por outro lado, na análise dos perfis dos influenciadores digitais idosos, identificou-se rupturas na regulação moral que coíbe a exposição dos corpos mais velhos e promove o seu apagamento e o seu silenciamento.
POT-AVL:ANovel CPU Scheduling Algorithm based on AVL Trees and Postorder Traversal
Authors:   CollegeofInformationTechnologyandComputerScience,UniversityoftheCordilleras,Philippines, Malabanan Don Harl , Valdez Mishael ,   CollegeofInformationTechnologyandComputerScience,UniversityoftheCordilleras,Philippines, Tandingan Dionisio ,   CollegeofEngineering and Architecture, University of the Cordilleras, Philippines
Published: February 2025

Purpose–Thisstudyaimstoofferanewperspectiveonthedevelopmentandoptimization ofCPUschedulingalgorithmsinthe fieldofresearchutilizingtheconceptofanAdelson-Velsky andLandis(AVL)treewhichhasnotbeenusedbeforeinrelatedstudieswhichsignifiesadeparture from standard practices, seeking to offer fresh insights into scheduling challenges.

Method –A novel scheduling algorithm called POT-AVL encompasses the structure of an AVL tree while using the post order traversal to identify and select which processes shall be chosen and executed by the scheduler.Theproposedalgorithmwastestedagainst themorecommonFCFSandtwooptimizedRRalgorithms,AMRRandMMRRAintermsof their Average Turnaround Time, Average Waiting Time, and Context Switch metrics.

Results –The results show that POT-AVL consistently performs better than the other algorithmsininstanceswhenthebursttimesfortheprocessesarelongbursttimes.POT-AVL performs worse than the FCFS algorithm when there are long gaps between arrival times.

Conclusion –The novel approach of integrating an AVL tree wait queue leads to an improvedefficiencyintermsofsearchingandmanagingprocessesinthequeuewhichmay be useful as a new path in the development and optimization of CPU scheduling algorithms.

Recommendations –Theinclusionandotherfactorssuchasquantumtime,and priority level, among others, can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed algorithms in different scenarios.

Research Implications –Thisstudyexhibitsmorepossibilitiesforamalgamating data structures and CPU scheduling algorithms.

Practical Implications–Thisstudycouldsuggestexploringalternativebalancingtechniques or adapting AVL trees to leverage hardware features efficiently.

Keywords–CPUScheduling,novelapproach,AVL,Optimization
A cross-sectional study using patch testing with Indian standard series to find the prevalence of sensitization in patients of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Srivastava Pradeep Kumar , Chakraborty Disha , De Abhishek
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact dermatitis (CD) have a complicated and debatable correlation. A large number of studies have suggested that AD patients have a higher prevalence of contact allergy than non-AD patients. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence and patterns of CD in AD and non-AD patients using patch testing. We also investigated the gender distribution and the sources of contact allergens in both groups. This study aimed to examine the frequency and characteristics of contact allergy in individuals with AD and those without atopic conditions by the utilization of patch testing. In a co-primary objective, we hypothesized that individuals with AD would exhibit a higher prevalence of contact allergy compared to those without AD, aiming to validate or refute this null hypothesis.

Material and Methods

We included all adult patients (age >18 years) who had undergone patch testing with a suspected diagnosis of CD. In this group, we further divided the cases into two subgroups, patients with AD and non-AD patients. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, lactation, use of systemic corticosteroids within the past 10 days, and use of immunosuppressive agents within the past 8 weeks. The haptens were pasted on the back of the skin for 48 hours. Assessments were conducted on day 2 (D2) and day 4 (D4), and in certain cases, day 7 (D7) was performed as per the recommendations of the International CD Research Group standards.

Results

We recruited 64 patients who underwent patch testing for contact allergies. Of these, 29 had AD and 35 did not have AD. In our cohort, 36 patients (56%) were positive for contact allergies and 28 were negative. Of these, 18 out of 29 AD patients (62%) and 18 out of 35 non-AD patients (51%) were positive for contact allergies. The most common contact allergens in both groups were nickel, cobalt, and potassium dichromate. Other allergens included fragrance mix I, benzocaine, wool alcohol, colophony, and neomycin. There was no significant difference in the frequency of contact allergy between AD and non-AD patients (P = 0.41). The majority of the positive patch test reactions were relevant in both groups.

Conclusion

Both patients with AD and those without AD may have sensitization to different occupational or non-occupational antigens. In addition, individuals with AD are more prone to contact allergies compared to those without AD.
The role of interpersonal communication of Mulok teachers in instilling Malay cultural values
Authors: Hadi Saputra Hamanda
Published: February 2025

THE ROLE OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION OF TEACHERS OF MALANG CULTURE IN INCORPORATING MALAY CULTURE VALUES, Malay Local Content is a subject or study material that contains content and learning processes about the potential and uniqueness of the Malays. Malay Local Content aims for students to understand the superiority and wisdom of the Malays. Riau Malay Culture is a mandatory local content for students from PAUD to SMP/MTs in Riau Province. this study intends to find out how interpersonal communication of teachers is when instilling Malay cultural values ​​to students. By involving 3 informants and informants, namely teachers, this study uses a qualitative research method with data collection techniques using observation, in-depth interviews, and document studies as well as descriptive data analysis techniques. then what can be concluded in this study is as follows: (1). Overall, the role of interpersonal communication of teachers in improving children's knowledge is concluded to be quite good. (2). The language used by teachers is very appropriate in communicating with their students. (3). Non-verbal communication carried out by teachers in interacting with their students is by using movements, additional objects, gestures, facial expressions, symbols and varying voice intonations. The findings of this research paper highlight the importance of teacher interpersonal communication in students’ cultural identity development
РОЛЬ И ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ПРОФОРИЕНТАЦИОННОЙ РАБОТЫ СО СТАРШЕКЛАССНИКАМИ В ДОВУЗОВСКОЙ ПОДГОТОВКЕ
Authors: АХАНТЬЕВА Н В.
Published: February 2025

Профориентационная работа в образовательных учреждениях СПО занимает важное место и влияет не только на профессиональное самоопределение старшеклассников, но и на повышение конкурентоспособности учебного заведения на рынке образовательных услуг. Как правило, данная работа строится по двум основным направлениям: во-первых, активное привлечение абитуриентов, а во-вторых, помощь в дальнейшем в трудоустройстве выпускников. В статье предпринята попытка рассмотреть профориентационную работу, направленную на решение первой задачи, так как заинтересованный абитуриент, а в дальнейшем студент - залог успешного освоения образовательного стандарта по выбранной профессии. Автором проведен анализ практики реализации профориентационной работы в довузовской подготовке.

Career guidance work in educational institutions of secondary vocational education occupies an important place and influences not only the professional self-determination of high school students, but also the increase in the competitiveness of the educational institution in the educational services market. As a rule, this work is built in two main directions: firstly, active attraction of applicants, and secondly, assistance in the future employment of graduates. The article attempts to consider career guidance work aimed at solving the first problem, since an interested applicant, and later a student, is the key to successful mastering of the educational standard for the chosen profession. The author analyzed the practice of implementing career guidance work in pre-university training.
Unraveling ADHD: genes, co-occurring traits, and developmental dynamics
Authors: Miller Catriona J , Golovina Evgeniia , Gokuladhas Sreemol , Wicker Joerg S , Jacobsen Jessie C , O’Sullivan Justin M
Published: February 2025

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a high prevalence of co-occurring conditions, contributing to increased difficulty in long-term management. Genome-wide association studies have identified variants shared between ADHD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders; however, the genetic mechanisms are not fully understood. We integrated gene expression and spatial organization data into a two-sample Mendelian randomization study for putatively causal ADHD genes in fetal and adult cortical tissues. We identified four genes putatively causal for ADHD in cortical tissues (fetal:ST3GAL3,PTPRF,PIDD1; adult:ST3GAL3,TIE1). Protein–protein interaction databases seeded with the causal ADHD genes identified biological pathways linking these genes with conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) and biomarkers (e.g., lymphocyte counts) known to be associated with ADHD, but without previously shown genetic relationships. The analysis was repeated on adult liver tissue, where putatively causal ADHD geneST3GAL3was linked to cholesterol traits. This analysis provides insight into the tissue-dependent temporal relationships between ADHD, co-occurring traits, and biomarkers. Importantly, it delivers evidence for the genetic interplay between co-occurring conditions, both previously studied and unstudied, with ADHD.
A Review on Interoperability Challenges between the Electronic Medical records System (Micro level) And the Electronic Health Record System: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (Macro level)
Authors:   Research Scholar, IIHMR University, Jaipur, India, T.K. PradeepKumar , Vashistha Ritu ,   Assistant Professor,  IIHMR University, Jaipur, India, KV Kumar ,   Chief Information Officer, Narayana Health, Bangalore, India
Published: February 2025

Interoperability has made it easier to implement EHR Systems by connecting with multiple EMR systems. To improve the exchange of health data seamlessly, as well as analysis, learning, and decision-making, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the integrating platform from India, plays a vital role. This study analyses different types of interoperability, advantages of ABDM, implementation and adoption factors, and interoperability challenges between EMR and EHR Systems in detail. The findings showed that the interoperability, ABDM and EMR systems are integrated and the comparison of the micro, meso and macro levels adopted in different healthcare settings. This study attempts to show the EMR System at the micro level, ABDM as the EHR System at the macro level and the practitioners at the meso level.
The main causes of soil contamination with heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) on the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Authors: Mammadov Adik , Abdullayev Asadulla
Published: February 2025

Problems Statement and Purpose. The subject of discussion is soil pollution - a type of anthropogenic degradation in which the content of chemicals in soils subject to anthropogenic impact exceeds the natural regional background level. The population of the earth is growing rapidly. Population growth requires food supply and meeting their consumption. At this time, the environment is polluted. Industry and agriculture especially cause soil pollution. For this reason, its research is an urgent issue. We also analyzed environmental pollution during the study. The research area is located in the Lesser Caucasus physical-geographic region, where the most important industrial enterprises in our country are located. The region is located in the western part of Azerbaijan, in an area rich in minerals. Both non-ferrous and ferrous metals are rich here. The natural conditions are also favorable for the development of industry in the area. Its richness in mineral deposits makes large-scale research of the area relevant. Therefore, our research is dedicated to the actual topic.

Data and Methods. For analysis, soil samples were taken from the research area and analyzed in the laboratory. Soil samples were taken from different soil types in the Lesser Caucasus. Based on the results of these analyses, comparisons were made for soil types.Then calculations were made based on mathematical and statistical methods. During the study, the results of previous studies in the area were also used.

Results and Discussion. As a result of the research, the influence of man-made emissions of lead, cadmium and mercury on various soil types on the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus was studied, and the mechanisms that determine the state and behavior of heavy metals in background and soils subject to contamination were investigated. Ganja aluminum plant and Dashkasan ore refining plant located in the study area play a special role in soil pollution.

Conclusion. It has been noted that the excess content of certain chemicals (Pb, Hg, Cd) in the human environment (compared to natural levels) due to their receipt from anthropogenic sources has a negative impact on the environment. The process by which uncharacteristic microelements appear in the soil, characterized by a toxic effect and affecting the properties of the soil, is called soil contamination with heavy metals. It has been established that soil contamination with such chemical elements as lead, cadmium, and mercury poses a particular environmental hazard.
Water security status and associated challenges in Guwahati city (India)
Authors: Hazarika Bharati , Kar Bimal K.
Published: February 2025

Introduction. Although cities are becoming increasingly developed in all spheres, there occur formidable multidimensional challenges associated with urban development. One such challenge is the water security, as water in the urban areas is the hotspot in regard to its consumption due to fast growing population on small geographical extent. Moreover, the development of urban water system is unable to keep pace with the rapid growth of population in cities, leaving majority of the dwellers lacking access to water supply system.

The purpose of article. This study intends to identify the problems associated with the urban water systems, its challenges in effective supply of water and the resultant water insecurity at households. It examines the water infrastructures in the city since its development in 1930 on a spatio-temporal context. The impact of prevailing water infrastructures on the status of households’ water insecurity has also been assessed.

Research Methods. Google earth engine software was used to visualize the spatial spread of urban water networks in the city. A kml file generated from the Google earth was converted to compatible layer in ArcGIS. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for household survey in three different zones, based on distance from reservoirs, slope, reservoir capacity and number of household connections from reservoirs. Selection of households from different zones under each scheme was done on the basis of consumers of urban water system and water security status. Water security status at households has been assessed through its components, quantity, quality, reliability and accessibility.

Main findings. Water infrastructures have been inadequate since a very long time with just one third of the population having access to the urban water systems. Households reported that enhancing the quantity and quality of water, which constitute vital aspects of water security, requires resorting to diverse strategies, incurs considerable cost and compromises welfare. Moreover, there exists a spatial variation in quantity and quality of water obtained from a shared scheme with increasing distance from service reservoirs/plants. Further, along with poor reliability and accessibility from water supply schemes at households, disparities among different water supply schemes have also been revealed.

Scientific novelty and practical value. The article analyzes for the first time the status of urban water security and associated challenges in the city through primary data and information on water infrastructures. The practical value of the study is the possibility of revealing the spatial variation in quantity and quality of water obtained at households despite a shared scheme or system that can be conducted in other studies of developing countries. The results of the study are significant in the context of justifying measures to strategize security of water at individual level.
Clouded Minds: A Systematic Review on the Link Between Cannabis Use and Depression in Young Adults
Authors: Forrest Grant M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Cannabis use is most prevalent among young adults, a time of critical brain development during which cannabis may disrupt neurological processes. Such disruptions may lead to cognitive impairments or increase susceptibility to mental health conditions, including depression. While prior research has identified a correlation between cannabis use and depression, this relationship may also stem from self-medication. Despite the developmental significance of this life stage, no comprehensive review has been written that focuses on the association between cannabis use and depression solely in young adults. The present review aims to address this gap by investigating whether cannabis use is linked to depression in this population.
Methods: Studies that examined the association between cannabis use and depression among young adults using a cross-sectional or cohort design were selected. To find these articles, literature searches were performed using the databases: PsychINFO, ProQuest Theses and Dissertations Global, MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Academic Search Complete. A total of nine articles satisfying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were found.
Results: There was a consistent positive relationship observed between cannabis use and depression. Out of the 11 measures examined, only one failed to report a positive association. However, many of these relationships were relatively weak, with only six of the eleven demonstrating both a positive and statistically significant connection.
Discussion: We observed a weak but consistent relationship between cannabis use and depression, indicating a subtle yet consistent correlation. This suggests that young adults who use cannabis tend to exhibit a higher prevalence of depression compared to their non-using same age counterparts.
Conclusion: Young adults who use cannabis appear to have higher rates of depression compared to their non-using peers. However, the cross-sectional nature of the selected studies limits findings to correlation rather than causation. Limitations also arise from the present study not fully meeting the criteria for a systematic review, such as the absence of a risk of bias assessment. Despite these limitations, further research is urgently needed due to the significant public health implications of this topic.
Sustainable Approaches to Reusing Earthquake Prone Buildings
Authors:   , Hattaway Emma
Published: February 2025

Situated in the context of reusing Wellington’s earthquake-prone buildings, this research focuses on balancing historic values and environmental impacts. The city’s location on a major fault-line means urgently addressing issues in these earthquake-prone buildings is crucial. The problem is that the perceived easiest approach is often demolition and building anew but there are reasons to explore alternatives. To encourage alternatives to demolition, providing sustainable approaches to reusing these buildings is needed.

This research explores the complex intersection of historic values and environmental impacts relevant to Aotearoa’s earthquake-prone buildings. This complexity required a mixed-method research approach used to understand the context of Wellington’s earthquake-prone buildings, reuse approaches, historic values and environmental impacts. Design explorations employed life cycle assessments, energy simulations and digital modelling to balance environmental, historic and regenerative values in the reuse of an existing building.

This thesis reveals opportunities for celebrating historic values in undervalued buildings alongside software limitations which create barriers for understanding environmental impacts. The main findings of this research are sustainable strategies for reusing earthquake-prone buildings at their perceived end of life.
Investigating Gender-Related Workplace Challenges in Lebanese Private Universities: A focus on HR Policies and Career Advancement for Non-Academic Working Mothers
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University -- Chouran Beirut, Cordahi Lara
Published: February 2025

While significant progress has been made in achieving gender equality in the workplace, women continue to encounter persistent challenges that impede their professional advancement. This study investigates these challenges within the context of Lebanese private universities, focusing on HR policies concerning flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, maternity leave provisions, and wage equality. Utilizing a feminist theoretical framework, the research aims to uncover the complexities that impact the career advancement and work-life balance of non-academic working mothers in these institutions. The study emphasizes the intersectionality of gender and parenthood, recognizing that mothers face distinct and compounded challenges in balancing their professional aspirations with family responsibilities. By analyzing Human Resource (HR) policies at four universities—Lebanese American University (LAU), American University of Beirut (AUB), Université Saint Joseph (USJ), and Beirut Arab University (BAU)—through document analysis and a questionnaire, the research reveals a disconnect between the policies on paper and their actual implementation. Many working mothers report insufficient institutional support, which makes it hard to manage work and family responsibilities, ultimately hindering their career progression. Despite the existence of formal HR policies, inconsistencies in their application result in negative consequences for employee satisfaction and retention. The study is limited by the lack of access to internal HR policies from some universities and the potential biases of self-reported data. Additionally, the focus on non-academic working mothers limits the generalizability of the findings to other groups within the university workforce
Economic Disruptions, Entrepreneurial Opportunities, and the Wine Country of Northern California
Authors: Davidson Bethany A. , Black Janice A. , Cagle Wendy R.
Published: February 2025

The global COVID-19 pandemic initially devastated the economy, particularly impacting tourism and service sectors, along with causing supply chain shortages. Even the wine industry, vital for the U.S. wine sector, faced significant strain. While California’s wine tourism industry suffered severely, it began rebounding in 2022 and is expected to continue recovering after 2024. Our research aims to understand if pandemic-induced economic disruptions, coupled with shifting work and vacation trends, aided in the wine country’s recovery and local entrepreneurship efforts through case studies of counties in Northern California.

Contrary to expectations, all three northern California wine counties experienced population declines by 2024, undermining the notion of wine country status mitigating population loss. Despite this, the tourism industry exhibited robust growth in domestic visitors, with rebound percentages ranging from 13% to over 100%, indicating a rapid recovery. For instance, Sonoma County surpassed Napa County in overall tourism spending for 2023, with tourism spending in Mendocino County also showing signs of recovery, nearing pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

We acknowledge the context-bound nature of our case study research. It was conducted in three counties of Northern California renowned for their wine industry and so we urge readers to consider the applicability of the findings to other regions and industries before extending our results to additional areas. This context bounded nature also leads to avenues for future research such as examining different areas in California, or wine industry areas in different states or nations.
Alcohol en el medio laboral en una Empresa Harinera de Manta
Authors: Alcívar Loor Jessenia Katherine , Montesdeoca Loor Katlen Nathaly , Orrala López Alex Patricio , Cantos Santana Erick Manuel
Published: February 2025

El alcohol es una de las drogas licitas que se consume con mayor frecuencia. Con el pasar de los años y en diversas naciones ha ocupado un papel importante en las conductas de la sociedad En base a numerosos estudios se puede afirmar que la salud de los trabajadores y la productividad están relacionadas y se ven influenciada de forma negativa por el consumo ó por estar bajo los efectos de alcohol y otras sustancias. En este estudio se evaluó el consumo de alcohol y otras sustancias en el medio laboral de los colaboradores de una empresa harinera de pescado de la ciudad de Manta, mediante la aplicación de la prueba de detección de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y sustancias (Assist), identificando el riesgo de dependencia y el desarrollo de problemas. En la investigación participaron 40 colaboradores y evidenció que el riesgo de desarrollar problemas en el medio laboral por el consumo de alcohol es bajo, con un 63% y un 5% de la población tiene un alto riesgo de desarrollar dependencia alcohólica y problemas en el ambiente laboral. Y para las sustancias psicoactivas, refleja que el 75% tiene un riesgo bajo de desarrollar problemas laborales y un 18% con un riesgo moderado. Concluyendo, el riesgo para que desarrollen problemas por el consumo es bajo, las probabilidades de dependencia son mínimas, pero requieren intervención; se debe crear intervenciones dirigidas a la atención psicosocial, implementar estrategias Psicoeducativas sobre el consumo de sustancias y efectos sobre la salud, familia y medio laboral.
Evaluación de estrés laboral en pescadores mediante el cuestionario de Karasek
Authors: Cevallos Vélez John Gilbert , Cantos Santana Erick Manuel , Manobanda Zambrano Jahaira Lisbeth , Santos Pinargote María Lissette
Published: February 2025

El estrés laboral se relaciona con reacciones emocionales, cognitivas, fisiológicas y del comportamiento a las adversidades del trabajador en sus labores, se lo considera como el desencadénate de múltiples enfermedades y su incidencia radican en las condiciones del trabajo como: (1) Alta responsabilidad, (2) Sobrecarga laboral, (3) Deterioro de las relaciones interpersonales, (4) Insatisfacción laboral, entre otras. El sector pesquero se caracteriza por su relevancia para la economía del Ecuador, existen varios puertos dedicados a la actividad pesquera: artesanal e industrial, éste ultimo representa la formalidad laboral según las normas legales exigidas, por tal motivo es relevante identificar los factores de riesgos labores principalmente implicados en ésta labor, uno de los factores de riesgo que menos estudios representan, hacen referencia por ejemplo a los de riesgos psicosociales por lo cual una de los principales objetivos de este estudio es la evaluación del estrés laboral en pescadores mediante el uso del cuestionario de Karasek, el cual representa sus características psicométricas mediante una validez de constructo y de confiabilidad con valores de Alpha de Cronbach entre 0,711 y 0,890. Los resultados de este estudio para identificar estrés laboral en pescadores del sector industrial en una empresa de la ciudad de Manta Ecuador, reportan: estrés alto en un 53.70% de la población analizada, 35.19% reportan estrés medio, y un 11.11% de la población reporta estrés bajo.
Análisis de la gestión de las competencias laborales en el desempeño laboral de los trabajadores de una empresa automotriz
Authors: Cevallos Mero Teddy Fabián , Cantos Santana Erick , Cevallos Aguayo María Auxiliadora , Ponce Delgado Johana Katherine
Published: February 2025

El presente trabajo de investigación se desarrolla bajo el método científico de enfoque cualitativo, cuya finalidad fue el desarrollo de un trabajo investigativo que permitió conocer de manera específica la relación existente entre el desarrollo de las competencias laborales y su incidencia en el desempeño laboral en el personal de una industria automotriz de la ciudad de Manta – Ecuador. Mediante el levantamiento de información bibliográfica se establece un marco teórico y conceptual que da soporte esta investigación, seguido por un levantamiento de información que consistió en la aplicación de una encuesta al personal de la empresa, con una muestra de 323 trabajadores, cuyos datos fueron procesados estadísticamente aplicando el Sistema SPSS. Los resultados de la investigación fue la comprobación de la hipótesis planteada estableciendo las correlaciones de las variables establecidas de forma positiva, con un coeficiente de fiabilidad del 0.811 de Alfa de Cronbach para las pruebas paramétricas aplicadas en esta investigación.
20 Anos de História: O Que Dizem os Professores Sobre a Implementação da Transversalidade na Educação em Ciências?
Authors: Carvalho Maria Adriana Santos , Nicolli Aline Andréia
Published: February 2025

This research aimed to understand how the speeches of teachers, who work in High School, in the area currently called Natural Sciences and their Technologies, are configured regarding the implementation of Transversal Themes, considering the 20 years of validity of the National Curricular Parameters. In view of this, we developed research with a qualitative approach and were anchored in the theoretical-methodological assumptions of French Discourse Analysis. The corpus of analysis was constituted through the application of an online research instrument to teachers from the Tocantins state network who worked, in subjects in the area, in High School in any period between 1998 and 2020. Regarding the concept of Transdisciplinarity, the teachers’ speeches revealed meanings that refer to cooperation/dialogue/interaction between different areas of knowledge/disciplines in approaching content/themes. The analysis of the concept of Transversally, in turn, shows that the statements express meanings of connection/integration and the need for contextualization and approach to everyday issues. We evidence, on the one hand, that teaching discourses converge with the meanings found in official documents from the 1990s onwards, which assume citizenship as the guiding axis of education and highlight social issues as fundamental themes in the process of curricular organization. Such meanings, on the other hand, are based on the centrality of curricular content, while social themes, although seen as important, are understood as supporting elements and not integrating axes of the different areas.
Prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica em hemodiálise em uma clínica satélite em João Pessoa – Paraíba
Authors: Barros Juliana , Ferreira Renata , Alves Pablo
Published: February 2025

A depressão é uma condição clínica frequentemente encontrada em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise, com prevalência cerca de duas vezes da população geral. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes com DRC submetidos a hemodiálise em clínica satélite na Paraíba. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com 48 pacientes em programa de hemodiálise. Foram aplicados questionários de dados sociodemográficos, socioeconômico, antecedentes clínicos-patológicos e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). A prevalência de sintomas depressivos (BDI ≥ 16) na amostra foi 28,9% (14), desses 57,1% (8) eram do sexo feminino, idade média de 62,4 anos (DP 17,1). Foi observada relação entre presença de sintomas depressivos e diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0,009), dor crônica (p = 0,002), infecção do acesso de HD (p = 0,039) e atividade física (p = 0,004). A correlação com número absoluto do BDI foi considerada positiva entre as faltas a sessão de HD (r = 0,402; p = 0,005), e negativa entre a frequência de atividades físicas (r = -0,416; p = 0,004).
Palavras-Chave: Depressão; Hemodiálise; Prevalência; Doença renal crônica;
BASTI: FROM HOME TO HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Kaur Paramjit
Published: February 2025

Basti, a novel by Intizar Hussain, encapsulates the dislocation, exile, and loss experienced by individuals during and after the Partition of India. Through the protagonist Zakir, the novel explores themes of nostalgia, identity crisis, and psychological homelessness. The narrative weaves together memories, historical events, and personal reflections, creating a rich tapestry of emotional and cultural dislocation. This paper examines the transformation from home to homelessness in Basti, analyzing the socio-political upheaval and the personal struggles of its characters. Using literary analysis and historical perspectives, this study delves into the broader implications of displacement and loss, considering how Hussain’s use of fragmented storytelling and evocative symbolism deepens the reader's understanding of exile and longing. The paper also explores the cyclical nature of history as portrayed in the novel, illustrating how the past continuously shapes and haunts the present.
ANALYSIS OF SPORTS SPECIFIC PERSONALITY AMONG SPORTSPERSONS HOCKEY AND BOXING PLAYERS
Authors: Jaggi Devender Singh , Singh Sandeep
Published: February 2025

This study aims to design the Sports Specific Personality traits among athletes, specifically focusing on hockey and boxing players’ male, in relation to their respective sports. A total of 100 athletes, comprising 50 hockey players and 50 boxing players, aged between 16 and 23 years, were selected using random sampling based on the type of games they participated in, all from the Delhi state. The Sports Specific Personality Test, developed and standardized by Dr. Agya Jit Singh and Dr. H. S. Cheema in 2010, served as the primary data collection. Statistical analyses, including Mean, Standard Deviation (S.D.), and the ‘t’ test, were applied. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the Sports Specific Personality between hockey and boxing players. However, a significant difference was observed in the Sports Specific Personality of athletes engaged in Individual Games compared to those in Team Games, with Team Game participants exhibiting a higher Sports Specific Personality.