bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Internal Quality Assurance System in Defence Services Medical Academy: Moving Toward Quality Culture
Authors: Than Mo , Aung Ye , Soe Aung , Soe Yan , Htike Hein , Oo Khine , Naing Tun , Hein Tayzar , Phyo Zaw , Tun Si , Than Marlar , Prihatiningsih Titi
Published: June 2024

The escalating number of higher education institutions globally has heightened the demand for credible education policies and quality assurance mechanisms. The establishment of organizations for quality assurance providers and accreditors has become widespread to meet this demand. The Myanmar Medical Council Accreditation Committee (MMCAC) was established in 2016 to ensure the quality and standard of medical practice in Myanmar. Defence Services Medical Academy (DSMA), one of Myanmar’s medical universities, transitioned to an outcome-based integrated program in line with the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Basic Medical Education Standards. To evaluate the effectiveness of DSMA’s internal quality assurance system and its progression towards a quality culture, this study explores faculty perceptions and practices regarding the internal quality assurance process. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was adopted, comprising quantitative surveys followed by qualitative in-depth interviews. Pre- and post-test surveys were administered to DSMA faculty members before and after an IQA training workshop. The surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the internal quality assurance system. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with selected faculty members to delve deeper into their experiences and perceptions regarding the IQA process. Quantitative analysis revealed an improvement in faculty awareness and attitudes towards the IQA system post-training. However, challenges such as confusion about the functional place of the QA unit and concerns about disturbing academic freedom persisted. Qualitative findings highlighted varying levels of experience and awareness among faculty members, with unanimous recognition of the need to strengthen the IQA framework by adhering to international guidelines and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Faculty attitudes towards the IQA process varied, with some viewing it as an extra burden and others recognizing its necessity for document organization and quality control. Faculty involvement in the IQA process varied, with departmental leadership playing a crucial role in promoting participation. While progress has been made in raising awareness and improving attitudes towards the IQA system at DSMA, challenges remain, indicating the need for ongoing efforts in awareness-building and perception management. Structural improvements, regular training programs, and ongoing evaluation are essential to strengthening the IQA framework and fostering a quality culture at DSMA. The successful implementation of quality assurance program depends on teamwork amongst leadership, academics, and all stakeholders.
Effect of Various Improved Technology in Wheat Production Zone of Nepal
Authors: Ganesh Mahara , Anju Karki
Published: June 2024

The study was held in 2024 in the Kailari, Gauriganga, Godawari, and Dhangadhi local level of Kailali District of Nepal to evaluate and identify the factors impacting the adoption of a number of sophisticated technologies in the research area. Data were collected from 200 respondents utilizing a semi-structured interview form, using simple random selection. The factors influencing the adoption of better technologies in wheat production were identified using a logistic regression model. Age, gender, ethnicity, and area of cultivation are socioeconomic elements that have been linked to the adoption of appropriate agricultural practices, as well as training, technical advice, and membership. The adoption of seed replacement was positively significant (P<0.1) as a result of the training. The adoption of seed varieties was positively significant (P<0.05) for cultivated area. The farmers who were involved in farmer groups or Cooperative had 2.209 times higher odds for the adoption of improved seed compared to the odds for farmers who were not involved in farmer groups. Advice from the technician had a positively significant (P<0.05) impact on the date of sowing. The use of more frequent irrigation was positively significant (P<0.05) in relation to the age of the household head. The split nitrogen application was positively significantly influenced by super zone membership (P<0.05).
Managerial Competences and Financial Performance: A Study on NGOs in Central Division-Fort Portal City
Authors: Amanyire Agnes , Nimusima Pereez , Rwambale Kadhiri , Mbabazi Grace , Muhumuza Godfrey
Published: June 2024

Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) still remain the biggest funder of most NGOs in the region, however most NGOs still face challenges in not only obtaining funds but also managing them. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between managerial competences and financial performance of NGOs in Fort Portal Tourism City. A quantitative research design was adopted to achieve the research objectives. Out of a total population of 320 employees, 183 respondents were selected using simple and stratified random sampling techniques. The study used structured questionnaires to collect data from managers, accountants, field officers, office assistants and secretaries. Apparently, one hundred eighty three copies of the questionnaire were administered to respondents but only one hundred seventy three were properly filled and returned constituting response rate of 94.50%. Construct and content validity were adopted and the reliability co-efficient of the items in the instrument ranged between 0.70 and 0.78. Descriptive and inferential statistics (simple and multiple linear regression analyses) were used to analyze data. The study findings reveal that managerial competences have a significant effect on financial performance of NGOs in Fort Portal Tourism City (Adj. R2 = 0.375; F (4, 427) = 61.906, p<0.05). The conclusion drawn by this study is that managerial competences affect financial performance of NGOs in Fort Portal Tourism City. The study recommends that management of NGOs in Fort Portal City should make extra effort in investing in their managerial competences in order to improve their financial performance. Management of NGOs should constantly review the managerial competence profile for better managerial decisions and performance improvement.
The Effect of Cultural Factors on the Consumption of Consumable Insects: Evidence from Rural Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Akandwanaho Isaac , Mukhebi Adrian , Kalibwani Rebecca , Nuwemuhwezi Gershom
Published: June 2024

Consumable insects are an important part of human food systems and their consumption across diverse cultures dates back into the pre-historical period. This study assessed the effect of cultural factors on the consumption of consumable insects in the Kiruhura district of southwestern Uganda. The study employed a post-positivism research paradigm (mixed methodology) in a cross-sectional survey. The survey was conducted across 134 households in the Kiruhura district of South-western Uganda between January and June 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Results show that member attitude and perceptions, cultural beliefs, and values were significant drivers of eating insects, particularly grasshoppers in the Kiruhura district. The findings of the study imply that the eating of insects in the area could be enhanced by educating and raising awareness about the importance of utilizing insects as a source of food. More program support that integrates rearing of insects within the household farming system could increase availability and sustainable use of seasonal consumable insects as nutritious food presents great implications for policies targeting dietary interventions.
Practical Path of Stock Garment Redesign Under Digitalization Perspective
Authors: Yingzhe Zhang
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the two core issues of digital transformation and upgrading of Chinese clothing enterprises and inventory clothing, this paper establishes the development path and characteristics of inventory clothing redesign from the aspects of design techniques and clothing technology. Through the online services of R&D and design, online and offline collaborative services at the manufacturing end and other forms to complete the digitalization of the whole chain integration of clothing planning, plate making, production, publicity, sales and other links to accelerate the formation of a digital service hub for inventory clothing. Through the integration of inventory clothing into the cloud design and manufacturing synergy services, combined with intelligent technology, to enhance the terminal retail services from various aspects, so that the clothing enterprise inventory clothing through redesign to complete the digital transformation and reconstruction. Taking the core problem of inventory clothing, which exists in all apparel enterprises, as the basic breakthrough point, the use of data-based means to break through the barriers of each link, realizing the new apparel development situation of sharing data and creating a digital ecosystem.
Dissecting of Atomic Morphology of Superfine Pulverized Coal Based on X-ray Pair Distribution Function
Authors: Yang Xiuchao , Zhou Zining , Wu Fang , Liu Jiaxun
Published: June 2024

Resolving the atomic structure information of the aromatic layers in coal plays a crucial role in understanding the generation mechanisms of NOx during coal combustion and further reducing the formation of NOx from the source. This study reveals the distribution of X-ray diffraction bands of superfine pulverized coal using a high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray Diffraction (HRXRD) facility, discussing the distribution of atomic distances and atomic density in aromatic layers through pair distribution function (PDF) methods. Furthermore, the influences of mechanochemistry on the evolution of atomic morphology are focused on. The results show that the PDF of coal gradually stabilizes when r > 8 Å, showing the short-range order of graphite-like structure. Additionally, due to the limitations of scanning angle and X-ray energy, atomic distances in aromatic layers for coal are significantly greater than that of pure graphene. Enhanced mechanochemical effects make the peaks 1, 2, and 3 of coal PDF more similar to graphene's by condensing alkyl side chains into smaller, regular aromatic layers when the particle size decreases. With the enhancement of mechanochemical effects, coals with different metamorphic degrees exhibit different aromatic evolution patterns. The aromaticity of NMG coal first decreases and then increases, while the aromaticity of YQ coal shows the opposite trend. The results can provide deeper insights into the atomic structure of coal macromolecular, which can facilitate the advancement of novel ultra-low NOx combustion methods and support the construction of precise coal macromolecular models.
Revealing the Mechanism of O2 and Pressure Effects on the Corrosion of X80 Carbon Steel Under Supercritical CO2 Conditions
Authors: Liu Guanbin , Wang Shuai , Xue Tian , Liu Yu
Published: June 2024

Pipeline transportation is widely used due to its ability to improve the efficiency of CO2 transportation in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Within the transport pipelines, CO2 fluid exists in a supercritical state and often contains various impurity gases such as O2 and H2O, which can easily cause steel corrosion, affecting the safety of pipeline operations. In this investigation, we examine the corrosion behavior of X80 carbon steel within a water-saturated supercritical CO2 environment utilizing weight loss experiments, electrochemical tests, and surface analysis techniques. Furthermore, we explore the impact of pressure and oxygen on the corrosion process of X80 steel. The results indicated that X80 steel underwent severe corrosion under the experimental conditions, with FeCO3 as the primary corrosion product. Both the introduction of oxygen and an increase in pressure accelerated the steel's corrosion, and the addition of oxygen led to the formation of a new corrosion product, Fe2O3. Electrochemical test results showed that changes in pressure did not significantly alter the electrochemical corrosion characteristics of the steel, but the introduction of oxygen decreased the electrochemical reaction resistance of X80 steel. Combined with surface analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: In a 50°C supercritical CO2 environment, the anode reaction of X80 steel corrosion is the active dissolution of iron, while the cathode reaction involves the dissolution and ionization of CO2. Changes in pressure do not alter the corrosion mechanism, but the introduction of oxygen leads to oxygen corrosion reactions in the system, accelerating the anode reaction rate and thus increasing the degree of corrosion.
Impedance Characteristics of Berea Sandstone Cores in the Process of CO2 Injection Displacement with Saturated Brine
Authors: Xue Tian , Xu Jintao , Liu Yu
Published: June 2024

As an important means of CO2 geological storage leakage monitoring, resistivity monitoring technology is of great significance to the safety and stability of CCUS project. In order to study the electrical signal response rule of the evolution of CO2 saturation in the reservoir, a joint core displacement experiment system of electrochemical impedance analysis and microfocus X-ray CT was designed and constructed to simulate the process of CO2 displacement of brine in Berea sandstone cores under stratigraphic temperature and pressure conditions. The electrochemical impedance characteristics of the core-fluid system are analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The experimental results show that at lower temperature and pressure, it is more difficult for CO2 to invade the pore space occupied by the brine in situ, resulting in drastic changes in CO2 plane saturation along the displacement direction. With the increase of temperature and pressure, the CO2 saturation curve becomes smoother and the migration and displacement front becomes even. The Cole equivalent circuit model is used to describe the conduction mode of AC electrical signals inside the core, and the electrochemical impedance characteristic analysis focusing on the high frequency region shows that the system impedance increases with the increase of CO2 saturation, and decreases with the increase of scanning frequency. In addition, the changes of impedance characteristics in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy not only reflect the pore structure characteristics of the core, but also reveal the evolution law of CO2 saturation in the porous medium. With the increase of CO2 saturation, the low pore space is gradually occupied by CO2, and the residual brine connectivity of the pore space as a conductive component decreases. The decrease of the internal conductive circuit leads to the rapid increase of the impedance, which is consistent with the change of resistance and capacitance when fitting the Cole equivalent circuit model.
Application of Distributed Acoustic Sensing Technology in Pipeline Leakage Monitoring
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Dianqiang , Liu Guanbin , Xue Tian , Liu Yu
Published: June 2024

Pipeline leak monitoring is an important industrial safety measure designed to ensure the safety of liquids or gases during transportation. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology is based on the reverse Rayleigh scattering inside the fiber to reflect the change of the measured physical quantity, and has great advantages in monitoring range, environmental adaptability, transmission loss control and system stability. In this paper, the pipeline leakage monitoring technology based on distributed acoustic sensing fiber is used to study the leakage signal of small leak aperture. In order to improve the sensitivity of leakage monitoring, the optical fiber is spiral wound on the pipe section. The identification method of pipeline leakage signal based on fast Fourier transform is proposed. By analyzing the vibration of the optical fiber in the time domain and the frequency domain, the leakage signal can be accurately monitored. Pipeline leakage tests with different leak apertures were carried out, and the leakage locations were studied by energy attenuation and cross-correlation techniques. The experimental results show that the time-domain signal fluctuates obviously and the full-band energy of the frequency-domain signal increases after pipeline leakage. The increase of leakage diameter will gradually increase the signal energy, and the leakage energy will gradually move from high frequency to low frequency. The energy attenuation positioning technique can locate the leakage within the range of a single sensing unit, and determine the leakage location through cross-correlation analysis with an error of less than 3 m.
Peaceful Coexistence in Compassionate Conservation: A Policy Discourse Analysis
Authors: Clay Anne , Kim Younsung
Published: June 2024

The principle of 'peaceful coexistence' in compassionate conservation emphasizes the need to assess and transform conservation practices to resolve conflicts between humans and animals. Zoos and aquariums, intended to foster connections between people and nature, serve as sites of daily interaction among various stakeholders, such as zookeepers, veterinarians, and ethologists. This research aims to examine how South Korea's Aquarium and Zoo Management Act, along with animal welfare, animal rights, and conservation discourse coalitions, critically evaluate and influence the management of captive animals to promote harmonious human-animal coexistence. Using a policy discourse analysis approach, the study investigates how these discourse coalitions frame policy issues and solutions in South Korean zoo management. By analysing semi-structured interviews, media content, and policy documents, this research identifies the need to emphasize a positive welfare state, leverage the influence of animal welfare discourse coalitions, and build networks and regulations that enforce welfare standards for captive animal management, ultimately realizing the principle of peaceful coexistence.
Assessment of Operative Experience of General Surgery Residents of Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Saron , Mulatu Surafel , Amtataw Wondwossen , Endazenaw Getabalew
Published: June 2024

Background: The Zwisch Score is a recognized tool for objectively assessing resident competency, particularly in measuring faculty guidance. However, there hasn't been a study in Ethiopia yet to assess surgical residents' operative experience using this standardized objective method. Objective: To assess the operative experience of general surgery residents’ using Zwish score in Yekatit 12Hospital Medical College. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving all general surgery residents enrolled in the residency program at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College from January 2020 to January 2023. Primary data collection utilized online shared questionnaires, with data entry and analysis conducted using SPSS. Result: In Yekatit 12Hospital Medical College, there are 18 Surgeons and 44 surgery residents. Senior residents tend to give junior residents scores of show and tell (33.3% for year 1, 50% for year 2), while year 1 residents most commonly rate themselves as providing active help (18.4%), and year 2 residents rate themselves as show and tell (59.3%). When comparing senior residents' scores with their own, seniors commonly rate themselves as providing passive help (30% for year 3, 65.4% for year 4), and residents rate themselves similarly (31% for year 3, 62.1% for year 4). Conclusion: There are variations between scores given by junior residents and seniors, but senior residents' self-assessments align closely with those of the seniors. This suggests that residents tend to accurately evaluate their skills as they progress through their residency.
Research on Fair Value Application and Financial Impact - Taking Zhongnan Construction Company as an Example
Authors: Xinghang Yuwen
Published: June 2024

The history of economic and accounting development shows that the more the economy develops, the more important accounting is; the more the economy develops, the stronger the ability of accounting information to promote or hinder economic development. In the long history of accounting, measurement has always been the core of accounting. The choice of accounting methods focuses on the choice of measurement attributes, rather than the choice of measurement units. With the development of market economy and knowledge economy, the accounting information provided by historical cost accounting only involves past costs and ignores future values. It cannot reflect changes in the economic environment in a timely and complete manner, and has no connection with the economic decision-making process. The measurement of fair value can reflect the current and future changes in the economic environment in a timely and complete manner. In the more than ten years since it has been in line with the international accounting community, the issue of fair value has always been an urgent problem to be solved. Corresponding research on related issues, from theoretical review to the practical application of fair value measurement. At present, the control of fair value measurement by Chinese enterprises is still not stable enough, and how to effectively improve is still an in-depth question.
The Kingdom of Loloda: The Dynamics of Economic, Political, and Military in North Maluku During the Dutch Collonial Power (1817-1942)
Authors: Rahman Abd , Said Rusli
Published: June 2024

This research was conducted based on the fact that the Loloda Kingdom had been lost in history since 1322. The remark that in that year, Loloda did not attend the meeting of the Maluku kings who succeeded in forming the Moti Alliance (Motir Verbond [1322-1343]) which was initiated by the King of Ternate VII, Sida Arif Malamo (1322-1331). Since that year also Loloda, considered not part of the "world of Maluku". Furthermore, de jure, during the VOC period (1627-1800), all Loloda was declared to have disappeared, because Ternate was annexed during the reign of Sultan Amir Hamzah (1627-1648). But de facto, the political structure of the Loloda kingdom actually still existed during that period in the Northwest Coast of Halmahera. The results showed that the cooperation between Ternate and the Dutch colonial government since 1817 through political contracts on the grounds of mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship, actually caused all of Loloda's economic, political and military power to be weakened and taken over by Ternate to Dutch interests. Although Loloda was in the shadow of the power of Ternate and the Netherlands, the kingdom was still able to carry out its economic, political and military functions during the period 1817-1942, even though it was under the control of Ternate with the consent of the Dutch. This study aims to explain the existence of the presence of the Loloda Kingdom in the economic, political, and military dynamics that occurred in North Maluku until the collapse of the power of the Dutch Colonial Government in Indonesia in 1942. This study uses historical research methods, with the following stages: 1) tracing and collecting sources historical sources from literature, archives, field, and documentation (heuristics); 2) analysis and synthesis (criticism, verification, and validation of data; 3) interpretation of the results of analysis and data synthesis; and 4) writing history (historiography).
Predicting & Analysing Discharge and Sediment of Sore Catchment, Baro-Akobo Sub Basin Using Saturation Excess Model, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fenta Asnakew , Nyuot Gatbel
Published: June 2024

Soil erosion, land degradation, and soil loss are major problems in Ethiopia's Baro-Akobo Basin. In the Ethiopian highlands, many hydrological models have been employed to forecast sediment and discharge in watersheds of varying sizes. PED mode was used for this study because it requires fewer data and is well recognized by academics in Ethiopia's Upper Blue Nile. The parameter efficient semi-distributed watershed model (PED) was used to study the prediction of discharge and sediment in the Sore watershed. The objective of this study was to analyze and forecast the sediment and discharge from the Sore catchment in the western Ethiopian region of the Baro-Akobo Sub basin. The selected watershed was Sore (1665.5 Km2) in the Baro-Akobo River Basin. The stream flow and sediment data for the Sore watershed from 2005 to 2013 and 2014 to 2018 were used for the model's calibration and validation by the Ministry of Water and Electricity. For the Sore watershed, the daily time step scale model efficiency of PED-W was found to be NSE= 0.40 and NSE= 0.44 for the calibration of sediment and discharge, respectively. Similarly, NSE values for the Sore watershed's NSE= -0.82 and PED-W's discharge and sediment during the validation period were found. As a result, there was a range of uneven to acceptable agreement between the simulated and observed discharge and sediment at daily time steps. In comparison to the daily time step scale, the models' performance varied and performed better on the monthly time step scale. According to the overall model performance, the PED-W model was shown to be less accurate than the SWAT model for estimating stream flow and sediment output. The PED model, on the other hand, was exactly the same as the previously employed SWAT model and was used for calibration and validation at monthly time steps.
The Effect of Antiseizure Medications on Thyroid Functions in Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Cebeci Dilek , Gurkas Esra , Aribas Oz Nefise , Gungor Ahmet Alptuğ , Kuruc Aylin Irmak , Buyukyilmaz Gonul
Published: June 2024

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of antiseizure medications on serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4) levels, and the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in children with epilepsy. One hundred and eighty-one pediatric patients receiving valproate, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and levetiracetam monotherapy were included. The serum TSH levels were significantly higher at 6th, 12th, and 18th months of the treatment compared with the pre-treatment levels in valproate-treated patients. Serum fT4 levels in carbamazepine group were significantly lower than levetiracetam, valproate, and phenobarbital groups at 12th and 18th months of the treatment. Serum fT4 and TSH levels in levetiracetam group showed no significant changes at any time point. The frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism at 18th month was 16% in valproate, 11% in phenobarbital, 7% in carbamazepine, and 0% in levetiracetam groups. Our data suggest that levetiracetam monotherapy does not cause thyroid dysfunction.
Feasibility of standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths for high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Wang Liangshan , Wang Yan , Fu Hongfu , Meng Xin , Li Chenglong , Jiang Chunjing , Guo Dong , Xu Bo , Wang Pengcheng , Li Yu , Jia Ming , Wang Hong , Du Zhongtao
Published: June 2024

Objective

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory and respiratory support allowing hemodynamic stabilization during high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the optimal timing of VA-ECMO use in high-risk TAVR remains controversial. We aimed to report our experience using a novel standby ECMO strategy during high-risk TAVR.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who received high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO between March 1,2023 and March 1,2024 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Small, 5F or 6F sheaths were placed in ipsilateral femoral vein and artery before TAVR procedures. The primary outcome of this study was survival to hospital discharge with good neurological recovery defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) 1-2.

Results

A total of 24 patients undergoing high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO were included. Six (25.0%) of the 24 patients with standby ECMO suffered from cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest and required emergency VA-ECMO institution. The median (IQR) cannulation time was 8 (6–11) minutes, and the median (IQR) ECMO duration was 35 (24–48) hours. All of the 24 patients underwent successful TAVR procedures and survival to hospital discharge with CPC1-2.

Conclusions

Standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths was feasible and effective for refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest during high-risk TAVR.
Pre-Support Method for Horizontal Overlapping Jet Grouting Columns for Very-Large Cross-Section Tunnels in Dry Silty Sand Strata: A Case Study
Authors: Guo Xiaolong , Chen Yubing , Sun Xingliang , Bao Yeming
Published: June 2024

The Shangbai Tunnel on the Daxi Passenger Dedicated Line passes through unsaturated dry silty sand strata which is prone to sand leakage and gushing after disturbance, posing a significant threat to the safety and progress of construction work. Using the Shangbai Tunnel project as a case study, we conduct laboratory experiments to determine the physical and mechanical properties of dry silty sand layers and analyze the limitations of advanced large pipe shed pre-support and small pipe grouting pre-support structures. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility and reveal the mechanism of horizontal rotary jet grouting for column formation and pre-support. The physical and mechanical properties of the consolidated body of the overlapping columns are evaluated. Three pre-reinforcement schemes using overlapping columns for tunnels crossing different subsurface profiles are proposed. Experiments are conducted to assess the physical and mechanical properties of the overlapping columns, and on-site monitoring and analysis of the tunnel arch settlement and stress changes are performed. The results indicate that the proposed method for creating overlapping columns ensures the stability of the working face, controls arch settlement, and is cost-effective. Our study summarizes the findings from the data and information for the construction of similar projects.
Delve into Emotional Stability: Unravelling the Antecedents of University Students’ Mental Well-being
Authors: R. Akash , Suganya V.
Published: June 2024

This article explores the complex realm of emotional stability among university students and aims to unravel the underlying factors that influence their mental well-being. Recognising the importance of emotional stability in promoting positive psychological health, the study investigates various antecedents that contribute to this aspect of well-being. Through a comprehensive exploration of existing literature and empirical evidence, the article examines the role of individual characteristics, social support systems, academic pressures and coping mechanisms in shaping emotional stability among university students. By understanding these antecedents, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers can devise effective strategies and interventions to support students in cultivating emotional resilience and maintaining optimal mental well-being throughout their college journey. This article contributes to the existing body of knowledge on emotional stability, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of university students’ mental health and the determinants that can impact their emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Enoxaparin Dosing in Obesity
Authors: Appay Marcelle , Kharadi Shreyas , Nanayakkara Sajani , Ryu Ji Sang , Pasalic Leonardo , Alffenaar Jan-Willem
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This review aims to systematically summarize the available data on efficacy and safety of therapeutic enoxaparin in obese patients and to identify gaps to guide future research.

Data Sources:

Medline and Embase were systematically searched for eligible studies (last searched December 20, 2023). Studies were included if they reported on therapeutic dosing regimens, adverse bleeding, thrombotic outcomes, or antifactor Xa (AFXa) monitoring in obese adult patients.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

The systematic review management tool Covidence was used to manage the study selection and data extraction process. The reference list from eligible studies was screened to determine any additional eligible studies.

Data Synthesis:

Sixteen studies were included in the analysis. Studies used a variety of doses, indications, and study designs making comparison difficult. Twelve studies reported the incidence of thrombotic events (median = 1.3% [interquartile range [IQR] = 0.3%-2.3%]) and all studies reported the incidence of bleeding events (median = 5.7% [IQR = 2.4%-14.5%]). Two of the 8 studies analyzing the influence of weight/body mass index (BMI) or dose per kg on AFXa levels reported statistically significant results. One study concluded that BMI did not affect achievement of target AFXa levels. However, the second study found that dosing using actual body weight was an independent predictor of supratherapeutic AFXa levels in the obese population.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This is the first comprehensive review with a focus on therapeutic dosing of enoxaparin in obesity and has been conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Seven of the included studies were published since 2018 indicating that new evidence on this topic is emerging.

Conclusion:

There was inadequate evidence to support an optimal dosing strategy in obese patients due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The AFXa monitoring may be appropriate to guide dosing in this population. Further research is required to determine a suitable dosing regimen.
Microbiome Dysbiosis, Dietary Intake and Lifestyle-Associated Factors Involve in Epigenetic Modulations in Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kwao-Zigah Genevieve , Bediako-Bowan Antionette , Boateng Pius Agyenim , Aryee Gloria Kezia , Abbang Stacy Magdalene , Atampugbire Gabriel , Quaye Osbourne , Tagoe Emmanuel A.
Published: June 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second cause of cancer mortality and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Current data available implicate epigenetic modulations in colorectal cancer development. The health of the large bowel is impacted by gut microbiome dysbiosis, which may lead to colon and rectum cancers. The release of microbial metabolites and toxins by these microbiotas has been shown to activate epigenetic processes leading to colorectal cancer development. Increased consumption of a ‘Westernized diet’ and certain lifestyle factors such as excessive consumption of alcohol have been associated with colorectal cancer.

Purpose: In this review, we seek to examine current knowledge on the involvement of gut microbiota, dietary factors, and alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer development through epigenetic modulations.

Methods: A review of several published articles focusing on the mechanism of how changes in the gut microbiome, diet, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to colorectal cancer development and the potential of using these factors as biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions: This review presents scientific findings that provide a hopeful future for manipulating gut microbiome, diet, and alcohol consumption in colorectal cancer patients’ management and care.
School Teams’ Reported Implementation of Family–School Partnerships in PBIS: Current Practices and Opportunities for Growth
Authors: Ash Tory L. , Feinberg Adam B. , Meyer Katherine A. , Garbacz S. Andrew
Published: June 2024

Despite the potential benefits of integrating family–school partnerships into school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), many barriers persist that limit a school’s ability to engage in meaningful family–school partnerships. These barriers to implementation suggest the importance of understanding the extent to which school teams can overcome these obstacles and promote family–school partnerships in PBIS. The present study adds to the literature by evaluating school teams’ reported implementation of different recommended practices in family–school partnerships in PBIS. Specifically, school teams in the U.S. state of Massachusetts ( N = 79) participating in a 3-year PBIS implementation training program completed a survey (65% response rate) where they reported the extent to which they were implementing family–school partnership practices in PBIS across a variety of domains. Findings suggest relative strengths (i.e., communication, resources) and opportunities for growth (i.e., shared decision-making) in schools’ implementation of family–school partnership strategies in PBIS. We also found school characteristics related to increased enrollment and greater racial diversity of the student body posed additional challenges for school staff in ensuring high fidelity implementation of family–school partnership strategies in PBIS. We end with suggestions for researchers and practitioners to boost implementation of key features of family–school partnerships in PBIS via equitable and culturally responsive implementation strategies.
Contextual factors and efficiency gains in Italian tourist destinations
Authors: Castiglione Concetta , Infante Davide , Zieba Marta
Published: June 2024

The paper investigates the efficiency of 103 Italian provinces and some contextual factors that influence the competitiveness of a territorial tourist destination, defined as an ensemble of different historical, economic, environmental, and social traditions. Non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis and semi-parametric bootstrapping extensions are applied over the period 2012-2019. The findings demonstrate that tourism destinations are considerably technically and scale inefficient, and that the total factor productivity is decreasing over time. The results also present a great heterogeneity of Italian provinces regarding their efficiency levels, suggesting that the traditional North-South regional divide of Italy does not apply in the tourism sector. Regarding the role of contextual factors as sources of efficiency gains, the cultural attractions, cultural public expenditures, and the rule of law increase technical efficiency of Italian provinces, whilst provinces with higher income and higher pollution receive negative gains.
EFL learners’ lexical availability: Effect of L1 background and prompt
Authors: Akbarian Is’haaq , Rafiei Zeinab , Jalilzadeh Kaveh
Published: June 2024

Lexical availability studies provide valuable insights into learners’ breadth and depth of controlled productive vocabulary, and structure of their lexicon. Yet, little is known about the performance of different-L1 learners on different prompts. Likewise, this study compared the available lexicon of three different-L1 groups of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) (L1-Persian, L1-Arabic, and L1-Turkish) to explore whether first language (L1) background and type of prompt (concrete vs. abstract) yield quantitative and qualitative differences in retrieving available lexicon. An online New Vocabulary Levels Test and a lexical availability task were administered to 116 tertiary different-L1 EFL learners. Studying concrete and abstract prompts would uncover the intricate cognitive processes in word processing and retrieval, and semantic organization. The findings revealed that both L1 background and type of prompt impacted their lexical availability output, resulting in differences between the groups in the words generated for different prompts on the task. L1-Persian learners outperformed L1-Arabic and L1-Turkish learners in terms of number and quality of the words for the task. Moreover, the type of prompt meaningfully interacted with L1 background in eliciting words on the task; the three groups differed in word retrieval on both prompts but generated more words on concrete, than abstract, prompts. Thus, EFL teachers and materials developers can improve vocabulary instruction via considering L1 background in selecting or designing teaching materials or syllabi. Additionally, more tasks with abstract words would increase exposure to such words, and thus their ease in retrieval.
Muddied waters: Freedom-of-navigation operations as signals in the South China Sea
Authors: Cho Hyun-Binn , Chao Brian C
Published: June 2024

Freedom-of-navigation operations (FONOPs) led by the United States have become a prominent policy tool in the South China Sea. These operations, however, have caused much confusion and consternation in the region despite the limited legal purpose that they officially serve. Why? This article departs from existing research by examining FONOPs as a form of signalling. Utilising an original dataset on US FONOPs in the South China Sea, we explain why and how FONOPs are ambiguous signals. Because of the nature of FONOPs using warships, the complexities in the maritime environment, and the irregularity of FONOPs, serious sender–receiver gaps emerge in the South China Sea regarding whether FONOPs signal resolve, coercive intent, and/or intentions to check certain states’ broader ambitions. Our analysis reveals that some signalling interpretations of FONOPs in the region are more plausible than others, thus helping to reduce the signalling ambiguity of these operations.
The luxury of time: A reflexive thematic analysis of omnipresence, contradiction, and passivity in interpreter-mediated mental health act assessments
Authors: Vicary Sarah , Young Alys , Rodríguez-Vicente Natalia , Tipton Rebecca , Napier Jemina , Hulme Celia
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the notion of time when undertaking interpreter-mediated Mental Health Act Assessments (MHAAs) from the perspective of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs). It is based on one theme that emerged from a reflexive thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews with AMHPs undertaken as part of a larger corpus ( Young et al., 2023 ). We found when carrying out interpreter-mediated MHAAs, AMHPs perceive time as luxury; something that they do not have in abundance, and which is made more problematic through the additional exigences when an interpreter is required. The luxury of time to which participants refer is determined ostensibly by resource availability underpinned by risk. Systemic and structural barriers also pertain. Driven by time’s omnipresence, these findings demonstrate fluctuations in how AMHPs use spoken/signed language interpreters and give rise to contradiction and sometimes passivity in practice. These findings are important considerations when undertaking any social work service that might require interpreter-meditation and are especially significant during a MHAA when a person’s liberty is at issue.
Comparative didactics: Toward a generic model for analyzing content-specific dimensions of teaching quality
Authors: Ligozat Florence , Buyck Yoann
Published: June 2024

Since the 2000s, the Joint Action framework in Didactics (JAD) has been developed in the context of the expansion of the French-speaking research in Comparative didactics. Studies carried out with this framework typically investigate how knowledge content develop in teacher-student classroom interactions. From a quite different perspective, classroom research on teaching quality has also developed considerably in recent years. Despite the many efforts to better understand relations between generic versus subject-specific dimensions of teaching, this dichotomy remains strong in the debates on teaching quality. This contribution explores a comparative model for characterizing the quality of teaching practices from the conceptual categories of the Joint Action framework in Didactics (JAD-MTQ). Based on the comparison of teaching and learning practices in two school subjects—physics and contemporary dance—this paper pursues a twofold objective: (1) proposing a provisional set of generic criteria for capturing content-specific dimensions of teaching quality; and (2) highlighting certain methodological conditions for ensuring qualitative analyses of these dimensions of teaching quality.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and chronic pain among females and individuals of childbearing age: A scoping review
Authors: Sacca Lea , Okwaraji Goodness , Densley Sebastian , Marciniak Adeife , Knecht Michelle , Wilson Candy , Pilitsis Julie G , Kimberly Hopkins Dawn
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

The purpose of this scoping review is to explore research studies on the association between chronic pain and polycystic ovary syndrome to create local (U.S.-based) and global recommendations to improve access to and quality of affordable symptom management and treatment options for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods:

The study sections used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews as a checklist reference. The review followed the York methodology by Arksey and O’Malley for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in scoping reviews.

Results:

Final analysis included two conference abstracts published in peer-reviewed journals and two peer-reviewed articles. The relationship between pain perception and health-related quality of life warrants further investigation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome as the interconnected pathophysiology of symptoms renders exploring associations between the two factors difficult. A comprehensive understanding of the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated symptoms, particularly those relating to pain perceptions can provide more insight into polycystic ovary syndrome pathophysiology and aid in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for long-term polycystic ovary syndrome management and care.

Conclusion:

Future studies are necessary to examine associations between the disease and pathophysiological symptoms for a better quality of life for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Ezeani Chukwunonso , Ugochukwu Ogochukwu , Johnson Adejoke , Lavie Daniel , Chauvin Ryan
Published: June 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become essential antineoplastic agents in medical oncology over the past decade. However, they are associated with potentially fatal multisystem abnormalities, with increasing concern in gastrointestinal tract and its associated organs. We present a patient with advanced renal cell carcinoma, who presented with acute liver failure after the first dose of combined immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. A thorough evaluation for viral, metabolic, and autoimmune causes was unremarkable. He was managed with steroids and made significant improvement. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of acute liver failure following ipilimumab and nivolumab.