bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Number of Web-Based Behavioral Health Coaching Sessions Associated With Symptom Improvement in Youth: Observational Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lawrence-Sidebottom Darian , Huffman Landry Goodgame , Beam Aislinn , Guerra Rachael , Parikh Amit , Roots Monika , Huberty Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Background

Rates of anxiety and depression have been increasing among children and adolescents for the past decade; however, many young people do not receive adequate mental health care. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) that include web-based behavioral health coaching are widely accessible and can confer significant improvements in youth anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, more research is necessary to determine the number of web-based coaching sessions that confer clinically significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth.

Objective

This study uses data from a pediatric DMHI to explore the number of web-based coaching sessions required to confer symptom improvements among children and adolescents with moderate or moderately severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Methods

We used retrospective data from a pediatric DMHI that offered web-based behavioral health coaching in tandem with self-guided access to asynchronous chat with practitioners, digital mental health resources, and web-based mental health symptom assessments. Children and adolescents who engaged in 3 or more sessions of exclusive behavioral health coaching for moderate to moderately severe symptoms of anxiety (n=66) and depression (n=59) were included in the analyses. Analyses explored whether participants showed reliable change (a decrease in symptom scores that exceeds a clinically established threshold) and stable reliable change (at least 2 successive assessments of reliable change). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to determine the median number of coaching sessions when the first reliable change and stable reliable change occurred for anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results

Reliable change in anxiety symptoms was observed after a median of 2 (95% CI 2-3) sessions, and stable reliable change in anxiety symptoms was observed after a median of 6 (95% CI 5-8) sessions. A reliable change in depressive symptoms was observed after a median of 2 (95% CI 1-3) sessions, and a stable reliable change in depressive symptoms was observed after a median of 6 (95% CI 5-7) sessions. Children improved 1-2 sessions earlier than adolescents.

Conclusions

Findings from this study will inform caregivers and youth seeking mental health care by characterizing the typical time frame in which current participants show improvements in symptoms. Moreover, by suggesting that meaningful symptom improvement can occur within a relatively short time frame, these results bolster the growing body of research that indicates web-based behavioral health coaching is an effective form of mental health care for young people.
Surgical treatment of the acromioclavicular joint dislocation: modern trends and prospects
Authors: Buryanov О.A. , Сhekushyn D.A. , Kvasha V.P.
Published: November 2023

Background. Acromioclavicular joint dislocations constitute from 6.8 to 26.1 % of all dislocations and rank third after dislocations of the shoulder and forearm. In the structure of acute traumatic injuries to the shoulder girdle, the proportion of acromioclavicular joint dislocations is above 12 %. These injuries are more common in men of the most working age (from 30 to 40 years) and in athletes engaged in contact sports. Poor outcomes of surgical treatment vary from 9 to 12 %. The aim of the study: to determine modern principles of surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocations, problematic issues and advanced solutions. Materials and methods. Analysis of literature sources was carried out using PubMed, UpToDate, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Global Health, CyberLeninka databases by search: acromioclavicular joint dislocations, surgical treatment. Results. The most common classification of acromioclavicular joint dislocations is Rockwood classification that includes six dislocation types. Despite the quite detailed classification of injuries to the acromioclavicular ligament according to Rockwood, the Tossy classification is more simplified, but meets practical needs, and distinguishes three types of damage. Stabilization of the clavicle with metal structures is realized by fixing to the coracoid process or acromion of the scapula, the latter is a priority. The disadvantages of the most used metal fixators were identified that require their optimization and development of innovative structures. The reasoned direction regarding static stabilizer restoration is plastic replacement of both ligamentous complexes. Conclusions. A priority direction is to stabilize the clavicle by fixing its acromial end to the acromion of the scapula with metal structures among which a hook plate and the Weber method are the most used. However, significant disadvantages in their use necessitate the development of innovative designs. A promising direction for the restoration of static clavicle stabilizers is surgical methods that combine the restoration of the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments. The objective need to create channels for grafts leads to a weakening in the mechanical strength of the bony structures, so research regarding the direction, diameter, and location of these channels requires further investigation.
Food Control System in Libya
Authors: Abuhlega Thuraya Ahmed
Published: November 2023

The food control system in the country should be effective and able to ensure the safety and quality of food. The study aimed to assess the current situation of the food control system in Libya. The mandates of food control are fragmented among different bodies, which sometimes perform the same functions and thus cause an unnecessary burden on the country's budget. Although there appear to be activities related to national standards that align with international standards, the 1973 health law has yet to be updated. The food inspection has not been based on a risk analysis. Also, there are inadequate laboratory support services, and laboratories are unaccredited. There is also an absence of action plans in both the short and long term for information, communication, and education. The inspectors need training, especially in risk-based inspections. Importantly, analysts' lack of expertise makes determining the compliance of food products with Libyan legislation difficult. Poor-quality and unsafe foods enter Libya due to the control system's weakness and the political crisis; therefore, the government should implement an integrated food control system to improve the situation. As well, the United Nations should politically support Libya's stability.
Optimization of Carotenoid Extraction from Yellow Passion Fruit Pomace Using Ultrasound-assisted Extraction and Coconut Oil as a Solvent
Authors: Pratiwi Paramita Dyah , Ningrum Andriati , Supriyadi Supriyadi
Published: November 2023

Passion fruit pomace, a by-product of passion fruit juice processing, is a source of carotenoids that can be utilized for food products as an antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum condition of carotenoid extraction process from passion fruit pomace using ultrasonic waves with coconut oil as a solvent, to determine the physicochemical properties of carotene-enriched coconut oil and the physicochemical properties of carotene-enriched coconut oil blended with sesame oil. The variables studied were extraction time (X1) and extraction temperature (X2). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the design of Central Composite Face-centered Design (CCF) is used to obtain a mathematical model that corresponds to the relationship between total carotenoid and the variables that influence it. After that, coconut oil will be evaluated on its quality including total carotenoids and antioxidant activity, compared to extraction with conventional methods (maceration). Sesame oil was blended with the carotene-enriched coconut oil extract to improve its antioxidant stability. The results showed that the optimum condition of the yellow passion fruit pomace carotenoid extraction with ultrasound-assisted extraction was 30 minutes and at 35 °C. Characteristics of carotenoid-enriched coconut oil from ultrasound-assisted extraction had higher total carotenoid content (15.79 μg of carotenoids/g oil) compared to conventional extraction (9.47 μg of carotenoids/g oil) and had higher antioxidant activity (80%RSA). Characteristics of mixed oils between carotenoid-enriched coconut oil and sesame oil have higher peroxide, lower Oxidative Stability Index, and higher antioxidant activity.
Wissensproduktion und Wissensverwertung in Österreich im internationalen Vergleich
Authors:   Austrian Institute for Economic Research, Janger Jürgen , Slickers Tim
Published: November 2023

Österreich hat die monetären Ressourcen für die Wissensproduktion und -verwertung in den letzten Jahrzehnten auf ein Niveau über jenem der führenden Innovationsländer der EU gesteigert. Eine Ausnahme bilden die Ausgaben für Universitäten. Leistungsindikatoren, etwa für Publikationen, Patente und innovationsintensive Start-ups, zeigen dagegen deutliche Aufholpotenziale, insbesondere im Vergleich mit weltweit führenden Ländern. Die anhaltenden Leistungsprobleme sowie neue Herausforderungen für die FTI-Politik, wie Klimawandel und technologische Souveränität, rufen nach einer mikrodatengestützten Evaluierung des FTI-Systems.
Procesos de atención pedagógica de estudiantes con trastorno del espectro autista (tea): una revisión sistemática
Authors: Tello-Zuluaga Jefferson , Botero-Botero Sandra
Published: November 2023

Este trabajo busca identificar los procesos de intervención pedagógica aplicados en la básica primaria con niños y niñas diagnosticados con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) reportados entre los años 2015 y 2022. El TEA ha aumentado notablemente en las últimas décadas, requiriendo de un análisis concienzudo y actualizado. Se rastrearon las bases de datos Scopus, WOS, SciElo, Redalyc y Dialnet. Este estudio se desarrolla con una metodología de revisión documental, que implica un proceso sistemático de búsqueda, selección, análisis y síntesis de la información disponible en diversas fuentes bibliográficas.
Los hallazgos señalan que la realización de procesos de intervención pedagógica presenta resultados positivos en diversas áreas, es posible que los resultados de las intervenciones no dependan de la metodología utilizada, sino de la formación del profesional, la intervención de la familia y las condiciones particulares de los sujetos, haciendo que estas situaciones presenten variaciones significativas en virtud del contexto en el que se desarrollan las intervenciones. Se concluye que este tipo de mediaciones pedagógicas son útiles para el establecimiento de procesos de atención dentro de diversos entornos escolares y que la capacitación de los diversos actores involucrados en el proceso, resulta de vital importancia para la consecución de resultados positivos.
Network Analysis of Social Measures, Culture Dimensions, and Covid-19 Related Behavioural Choices
Authors:   University of Latvia, Dimdiņš Ģirts , Vanags Edmunds
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to explore social measurements and COVID-19-related behavioral choices from a network structure perspective. We tested network models by comparing network structures in 46 countries by cultural dimensions (Hofstede et al., 2010). The pre-registered hypothesis was that the network structure of variables predicting COVID-19-related behavioral choices will be robust across countries, regardless of the mean differences of these variables between countries characterized by high vs low culture dimension indices. Behavioural choices toward COVID-19 situation were: physical hygiene, policy support, and physical contact. In network analysis we used several social/psychological constructs: social belonging, trait optimism, collective narcissism, moral identity, self-esteem, national identification, trait self-control, morality as cooperation, conspiracy beliefs, political ideology, and narcissism. We analysed twelve conditions based on dichotomized culture dimensions (high vs. low Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty avoidance, Long-term orientation, and Indulgence) across demographics (e.g., age, gender). We conducted network structure analysis using high-dimensional undirected graph estimation with glasso procedure splitting the data by culture dimensions in total with N = 40 795 individuals. The study findings indicated that the network models were fairly consistent across cultures with different scores on each of Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions. This similarity reflects the previous studies in terms of the stability of associations between variables regardless of sex, age, and political beliefs.
On a Pathway Towards a Holistic Approach to Virtue Education: A Case of the e-TAP Curriculum
Authors:   University of Latvia, Surikova Svetlana , Sidorova Anna
Published: November 2023

A holistic approach is becoming increasingly significant in 21st century education. To address the cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects of morality, the holistic approach to character (virtue) education as part of 21st century school education is essential. For the purpose of this research, the virtue education curriculum launched in Latvia in 2021 within the research project “e-TAP” was chosen. This article aimed to analyse the e-TAP curriculum (fall 2022 version), corresponding to the requirements for a well-designed character education programme. To address the research goal, the following research questions were put forward: Does the e-TAP curriculum meet all the criteria proposed for a character education programme prototype? Has the holistic learning approach been incorporated into the e-TAP curriculum at various design levels? For this empirical study, an explanatory sequential research design was implemented. To address the first research question, a 19-item questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale was used involving three independent experts to evaluate the e-TAP curriculum according to the criteria and indicators for a character education programme prototype. To address the second research question, the Excel data matrix was used as an evaluation form to analyse the e-TAP curriculum at different design levels. Employing deductive content analysis, two independent experts collaborated while coding the e-TAP curriculum activities (n = 574), which were combined in 124 lessons grouped into 17 topics within five modules. According to the experts’ consolidated evaluation results, the e-TAP curriculum fully corresponded to the requirements of a well-designed character education programme: it met all the proposed criteria for a character education programme prototype and addressed the holistic learning approach on all its design levels (activity, lesson, topic, and module). Some implications for researchers and practitioners were proposed.
From Distant Target Groups to Involved Stakeholders: Developing Dialogic School Communication
Authors:   University of Tartu, Tikerperi Mari-Liis
Published: November 2023

Knowingly planned communication activities are an essential asset in the performance of organisations, including public schools. In this paper, the core premise is that communication management in general education schools is an important field which currently lacks scholarly attention as well as practical guidance for school management. Numerous communication management definitions and models have been proposed following different paradigms and perspectives. Still, they all have one aspect in common: the audience to whom the messages are directed. Some theorists suggest that communication does not exist without the recipient, and effectively planned communication should be based on their interests or, moreover, involving them for the institution’s success. Thus, it is crucial to map schools’ target groups and stakeholders to explain the nature of school communication in general. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 Estonian school principals to understand their views about the role various target groups and stakeholders have on public elementary and high school communication. By applying a targeted sampling strategy, the most diverse representation of participants was ensured based on the profiles of both schools and school leaders. During the interviews, a projective technique was used enabling the principals to schematically position school’s stakeholders in accordance to social circles, importance, and communication intensity. The results showed that although the stakeholders of the schools are similar, the positioning of the stakeholders may differ even in between similar school types. School principals’ assessments of the intensity, importance, or quality of relationships depend on the school’s organisational culture, goals, current issues (e.g., school renovation), or sometimes the principal’s personal contacts. In addition, communication practices are influenced by the initiative and attitudes of external stakeholders towards the school.
The Relevance of the Concept of Powerful Knowledge in Educational Sciences
Authors:   University of Latvia, Elksne Gunita
Published: November 2023

The global changes of the twenty-first century are largely based on the rapid development of science and technology. Academic knowledge is growing quickly. Knowledge plays a vital role in ensuring individuals’ competitiveness and in society’s development. The issue of social justice in education is becoming relevant, and greater educational equality begins with the issue of knowledge. All students have equal rights to knowledge. But – to what kind of knowledge? Michael Young, noting that in many countries the education policy neglects the question of what kind of knowledge today’s student needs, created the concept of “Powerful knowledge,” the idea of which is based on authors of the sociology of education such as Durkheim, Bernstein, Bourdieu works. Powerful knowledge is also the basis of the third model of the future of school programs described by Young and Muller, with emphasis on high school. This work aims to perform a systematic literature analysis and contextual analysis of the concept of powerful knowledge. Research question – How does the concept of “Powerful knowledge” correspond to the needs of modern education? Since 2009, this concept has been developing cumulatively, along with initiating discussions and research among scientists regarding the problems of this time in schools and school programs. By analyzing the works of Young, Muller, and Lambert, and getting acquainted with other authors who developed, and added to the concept (Wheelahan, Hordern, Monton, Deng, Niemala, etc.), the definition and characteristics of powerful knowledge have been discovered, scientists’ thoughts on what makes knowledge powerful have been gathered, along with understanding how to get them, what place they could have in school programs, how it is consistent with current events in education today. The study found the relevance of the concept to the demands of the twenty-first century and contributed to stimulating discussions on the quality of education.
Experiences of Meeting the Cultural Education Needs of University Students
Authors:   Klaipėda University, Jacynė Reda , Norvilienė Aida , Vismantaitė Meda Gabrielė
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the research is to analyse the experiences of meeting cultural education needs of students who had studied at universities of Lithuania and the United Kingdom. In the course of the study, the qualitative research has been conducted. The results of the research on students’ experiences in meeting their cultural education needs at Lithuanian universities have revealed that the students who had studied in Lithuania describe their cultural life as insufficient, poor; the reasons for the choice of cultural life are: the desire to do what they like, lack of time due to busyness, low finances. The study participants describe the supply of cultural education at Lithuanian universities as insufficient. They believe that Lithuanian universities need a greater variety of cultural education activities, more attention to artistic and other cultural activities as well as better communication and dissemination of information about the availability of cultural education activities. The results of the research on students’ experiences in meeting their needs of cultural education at universities of the United Kingdom have revealed that these participants describe their cultural life as active, driven by their living environment and desire to improve. Research participants, who had chosen cultural education activities, indicated this as an opportunity for self-expression, improvement of competences, acquisition of skills necessary for professional development, finding friends and like-minded people, an opportunity to look for a job, etc.
Latvian Policy for Higher Education Export
Authors:   University of Latvia, Svētiņa Karīna , Kiseļova Rita , Svētiņa Ruta
Published: November 2023

Attracting international students is carried out by state institutions, higher education institutions and commercial agencies. Therefore, the practice of attraction is considered in the context of the reputation of the state, an added value that has not been reflected in scientific publications on attracting international students. The goal of this research is to present the policy of attracting international students to Latvia in the context of the country’s reputation over a period of five years from 2017 to 2022. The research question is to identify changes in the attraction policy. The research method applied involved interviewing representatives of institutions related to attracting international students in 2017 (in person), 2021 and 2022 (remotely). The common goal of the interviews was to clarify the practice of attracting international students of the relevant institution in the context of the country’s reputation, cooperation with other institutions involved, institutions’ level of involvement, and the division of responsibility. Document analysis was carried out to evaluate the Agreement on Good Practice of Attracting International Students and Delivering Studies (published in 2017 and updated in 2022). Latvia’s experience in attracting international students will be useful to other countries in the context of reputation. The most important results are related to the promotion of cooperation between the institutions involved, the systematization of procedures, and compliance with high-quality, transparent and ethical principles in the process of attracting international students.
Simulated Hospital for Medical Students as an Essential Step Towards Guality in Clinical Work and Patient Safety​
Authors:   Rīga Stradiņš University Medical Education Technology Centre, Blumberga Madara , Jansone-Ratinika Nora , Grigoroviča Evita , Strods Raimonds , Slavinska Andreta ,   Rīga Stradiņš University Centre for Educational Growth, Brants Māris
Published: November 2023

Simulation-based education provides a transition from theory-based learning to the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in complex situations in conditions close to real healthcare facilities. In healthcare, a simulation-based learning approach provides the opportunity to learn skills in a safe environment and gain confidence in the students’ abilities before working in a real clinical setting. In the academic year 2022/2023, for 2 weeks, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Medical Education Technology Centre (METC) in cooperation with the Department of Nursing and Midwifery implemented the concept of a simulated hospital to provide 114 international 3rd year students of the study programme “Medicine” with pre-clinical practice in a simulated environment in the fields of internal diseases and surgery. A simulated hospital is a concept in which the hospital environment is reproduced in the premises of the METC, encompassing 2 hospital wards, 6 patient rooms, 2 nursing stations, 2 medication rooms, a laboratory, and examination locations, as well as using 8 patient manikin and 38 simulated patients. Students provided a self-assessment of 64 skills (technical and non-technical) before and after pre-clinical practice using a scale from 1–5. Data were collected electronically and analyzed using IBM SPSS and compared statistically before and after the teaching intervention. Students demonstrated improvement in self-assessment of performance of all 64 skills. Students indicate that they not only learned new knowledge and skills, but also strengthened existing knowledge and skills. Students answer that they feel better prepared to work in a real clinical environment. One of the conclusions is that pre-clinical practice should be an integral part of the study process before working in a real clinical environment. that pre-clinical practice should be an integral part of the study process before working in a real clinical environment.
Integrating the Study of Family History in the Process of Learning the Latvian Language
Authors:   Zemgale secondary school, Jakubovskis Kristiāns , Vulāne Anna ,   University of Latvia
Published: November 2023

Latvian language and literature, like the history of the nation and country, is an essential basis of national and cultural development, and an important part of civic education. One of the problems we face daily is related to the fact that many of young people do not perceive the Latvian language as a value, and do not want to learn some part of the curriculum, because it seems to them too far from reality, useless and irrelevant. To create more interest in language learning content, it should also include topics that may be personally meaningful to students or should be viewed in a context that is engaging to them. The purpose of the paper is to justify the need to include the study of family history in the learning content of the Latvian language, ensuring the connection between subjects, and to characterize the developed linguo-didactic material. The author’s experience in creating family trees and involving students in this work in interest education classes shows that this not only creates interest in young people in the set of personal names of their family and the motivation of their choice but also promotes the desire to more fully learn the history of the Latvian language and the language as a system, to develop their language and communication skills. The research was conducted in the 10th grade using the methods of document analysis, case analysis, pedagogical observation, and pupil’s survey. The research concluded that the study of family history can be successfully included in Latvian language lessons. The students were interested in lessons related to the topic of family history, admitting that they find the lessons more interesting, where it is possible to acquire not only theoretical knowledge of the Latvian language but also additional information about their family members. For the work to be more successful, students should already at the stage of primary education develop persistent habits, the skills of independent work, information acquisition, compilation, and analysis, as well as age-appropriate linguo-cultural tasks should be included in the curriculum, which would promote the study of language learning as a cultural phenomenon.
Easy Language in the Context of Modern Pedagogy
Authors:   University of Latvia, Latvian Language Institute, Polinska Velga , Liepa Dite
Published: November 2023

The idea of language simplification roots back to the beginning of the 18th century, and the significance of understandable and accessible information has gradually increased. Although Easy language development is closely linked to the Plain Language Movement, these are two distinct concepts. Easy language is present in Latvia since the 1990-s; however, its development is still insufficient. Although Easy language is primarily meant for adults, it can be useful for children, too. Moreover, it can provide significant support in both general and special education. Nevertheless, teachers’ understanding of Easy language as a tool and their ability to deliberately apply it is presumably low. Therefore, the aim of the study is to find out whether teachers in Latvia are familiar with the concept of Easy language, how often and what materials in Easy language they use, and how important Easy language, or in other words understandable outlining principles are in the teaching and learning process. To fulfil the tasks of the study, a bibliographic research method was applied, describing the previous research in the field as well as published teaching resources in Easy Latvian. To explore teachers’ attitudes and knowledge of Easy Latvian, the quantitative method was used – i.e., an anonymous online questionnaire for general and special education teachers was created. The questionnaire had 500 eligible respondents. The study showed that information about Easy language in Latvia is insufficient, and the concept itself is still linked to a stigma. Nevertheless, teachers are willing to learn more about Easy language, and one third of the questionnaire respondents believe that teachers should be trained during their studies. Besides developing new materials and offering training opportunities, significant attention should be paid to promoting each Easy language-related activity.
The Development Tendencies of Content and Language Integrated Learning Methodology at the University Level
Authors:   University of Latvia, Saprunova Olena
Published: November 2023

This research aims to investigate the role of CLIL methods in teaching professional English at the university level. The author introduces the concept of the development tendencies of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology in a higher education system. This article seeks the answers to the research question: how effective the way of teaching a foreign language using CLIL methods is. This study offers the following hypothesis that learning professional English using CLIL methods as new ones is the best modern way for students to master the professional foreign language at level C2. The main components of the article are as follows: the characteristics of the research topic, research issues, the purpose, results and novelty. The article begins with the analysis of the definitions of the terms “CLIL” and “methodology” and reveals the concept of CLIL methodology. The author gives practice examples of CLIL application in the education of the higher school and define main CLIL approaches in it. The ways how to improve the English language teaching using CLIL methods at the university level are also determined. The results indicate that CLIL methodology applying in the educational process developing students’ linguistic and content competences excellently. The article concludes that CLIL methods in teaching help to prepare English speaking professionals at the international level.
Long-term trend in Black Carbon mass concentration over Central IGP location: Understanding the implied change in radiative forcing
Authors: Mehrotra Bharat Ji , Srivastava Atul Kumar , Singh Amarendra , Parashar Dirgha , Majumder Nabankur , Singh R. S. , Srivastava Manoj K
Published: November 2023

Black carbon (BC) has several direct, indirect, semi-direct, and
microphysical effects on the Earth’s climate system. Analyses of the
decade-long measurement of BC aerosols at Varanasi (from 2009 to 2021)
was done to understand its impact on radiative balance. General studies
suggest that the daily BC mass concentration (mean of 9.18±6.53 µg m–3)
ranges from 0.07 to 46.23 µg m–3 and show a strong interannual and
intra-annual variation over the 13-year study period. Trend analyses
suggest that the interannual variability of BC shows significant
decreasing trend (-0.47 µg m–3 yr-1) over the station. The decreasing
trend is maximum during the post-monsoon (-1.86 µg m–3 yr-1) and
minimum during the pre-monsoon season (-0.31 µg m–3 yr-1). The
radiative forcing caused specifically by BC (BC-ARF) at the top of the
atmosphere (TOA), surface (SUR), and within the atmosphere (ATM) is
found to be 10.3 ± 6.4, -30.1 ± 18.9, and 40.5 ± 25.2 Wm−2,
respectively. BC-ARF shows strong interannual variability with a
decreasing trend at the TOA (–0.47 Wm–2 yr-1) and ATM ((–1.94 Wm–2
yr-1) forcing, while it showed an increasing trend at the SUR (1.33
Wm–2 yr-1). To identify the potential source sectors and the transport
pathways of BC aerosols, concentrated weighted trajectories (CWT) and
potential source contribution function (PSCF) analyses have been
conducted over the station. These analyses revealed that the primary
source of pollution at Varanasi originate from the upper IGP, lower IGP,
and central India.
Ocean Emulation with Fourier Neural Operators: Double Gyre
Authors: Bire Suyash , Lütjens Björn , Azizzadenesheli Kamyar , Anandkumar Anima , Hill Christopher N.
Published: November 2023

A data-driven emulator for the baroclinic double gyre ocean simulation
is presented in this study. Traditional numerical simulations using
partial differential equations (PDEs) often require substantial
computational resources, hindering real-time applications and inhibiting
model scalability. This study presents a novel approach employing neural
operators to address these challenges in an idealized double-gyre ocean
simulation. We propose a deep learning approach capable of learning the
underlying dynamics of the ocean system, complementing the classical
methods, and effectively replacing the need for explicit PDE solvers at
inference time. By leveraging neural operators, we efficiently integrate
the governing equations, providing a data-driven and computationally
efficient framework for simulating the double-gyre ocean circulation.
Our approach demonstrates promising results in terms of accuracy and
computational efficiency, showcasing the potential for advancing ocean
modeling through the fusion of neural operators and traditional
oceanographic methodologies. In comparison to a dynamical numerical
model, we obtain 600x speedups allowing us to create 2000-day ensembles
in tens of seconds instead of hours.
Políticas educacionais e a adaptação de estudantes indígenas ao Ensino Remoto de Emergência:
Authors: Fonseca Virgínia Braga , Tembé Alenilton Teixeira , Mattos Carlos André Corrêa de , Barros Luís Alberto Monteiro de , Schimith Cristiano Descovi
Published: November 2023

A pandemia da COVID-19 desmontou subitamente o sistema de ensino e revelou profundas fragilidades das políticas públicas para antever e reagir a imprevistos. Considerando esse aspecto, o objetivo deste estudo é identificar os fatores e classificar os estudantes universitários indígenas no que concerne à adaptação ao Ensino Remoto de Emergência (ERE). Para tanto, foi feita uma survey exploratória e descritiva, com amostragem não probabilística por acessibilidade, que contou com a participação de 102 dos 305 estudantes indígenas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Brasil. Os dados obtidos com questionários digitais foram tratados com técnicas quantitativas na forma de estatística descritiva, correlacional e multivariada (análise fatorial exploratória e análise de agrupamentos). Os resultados evidenciaram três fatores que explicaram 64,63% da variância dos dados e foram denominados como “Organização nos estudos” (25,59%), “Local de estudos” (25,29%) e “Utilização de tecnologia” (13,75%). A análise de agrupamentos identificou três grupos entre os respondentes com diferentes características, mas que de maneira geral mostraram estudantes organizados, bem adaptados à utilização de tecnologias, porém com limitações quanto ao local de estudos aspecto que confere maior ênfase as ações de apoio estudantil. As conclusões reforçam a necessidade de aprimorar as políticas de assistência estudantil direcionadas para grupos minoritários e recomendam avaliações futuras para mesurar, além da aprendizagem, a taxa de evasão e de readaptação dos estudantes indígenas às atividades presenciais nas instituições de ensino superior.
A production inventory model for ameliorating and deteriorating items with two levels of production under time dependent quadratic demand and preservation technology investment
Authors: Hatibaruah Ajoy , Saha Sumit
Published: November 2023

A production inventory model for ameliorating and deteriorating items is established with time varying quadratic demand under the influence of preservation technology. Two different production rates are considered such that the initial production rate switches to another rate of production after some interval of time. Preservation technology is used to lower the deterioration effect. The main objective is to obtain the optimal production time, cycle length and preservation technology cost to minimize the total cost per unit time of the system. Numerical examples under different situations are presented to illustrate the model. The effect of the parameters on optimal solution is investigated through sensitivity analysis while various observation obtained are discussed accordingly.
Performance approximations of Markov Modulated Poisson Process arrival queue with Markovian Service using matrix geometric approach
Authors: Ramanathan Raghavendran , Varadharajan Vidhya
Published: November 2023

Queue analysis of correlated work of the arrival and the service process are not available much in literature. This research paper applies matrix geometric approach to study the MMPP/MSP/1 queuing model under the quasi-birth death(QBD) process. Customers admitted in the system are having two different intensity of arrival followed by Markov Modulated Poisson Process(MMPP). MMPP is a versatile class of MAP and it is necessary to adapt the first characterization of the queuing model. In service mechanism Markov Service Process(MSP) is adopted. As like MMPP, MSP is also a versatile and can capture the correlation of the modulated arrivals. The methodology presented in this research work calculates the metric performances not depending on the series of infinite state of the system. The assumed model is formulated as QBD process to obtain the steady state probability of the system. The complexity model formulated involves structures matrices with appropriate dimension. Neut?s pioneered the matrix geometric approach to such complex models which involves the rate computation of rate matrix R. The rate matrix R is approximated to derive the performance metrics of the system and then compute the cost for the underlying Markov chain. To attain this approximation the sensitivity analysis is done with numerical results.
Automated Insulin Delivery Systems in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outpatient Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zeng Baoqi , Gao Le , Yang Qingqing , Jia Hao , Sun Feng
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The glycemic control of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in outpatient children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been systematically evaluated.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AID systems in children and adolescents in outpatient settings.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until 4 May 2023. This study was registered with PROSPERO (2023, CRD42023395252).

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials that compared AID systems with conventional insulin therapy in outpatient children and adolescents with T1D and reported continuous glucose monitoring outcomes were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

Percent time in range (TIR) (3.9–10 mmol/L), time below range (TBR) (<3.9 mmol/L), and time above range (TAR) (>10 mmol/L) were extracted. Data were summarized as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-five trials (1,345 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. AID systems were associated with an increased percentage of TIR (MD, 11.38% [95% CI 9.01–13.76], P < 0.001; high certainty). The favorable effect was consistent whether AID was used over 3 months (10.46% [8.71–12.20]) or 6 months (10.87% [7.11–14.63]). AID systems had a favorable effect on the proportion of TBR (−0.59% [−1.02 to −0.15], P = 0.008; low certainty) or TAR (−12.19% [−14.65 to −9.73], P < 0.001; high certainty) compared with control treatment.

LIMITATIONS

Substantial heterogeneity was observed in most analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

AID systems are more effective than conventional insulin therapy for children and adolescents with T1D in outpatient settings. The favorable effect is consistent both in the short term and long term.
Risk Factors Amenable to Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Among Disaggregated Racial and Ethnic Subgroups in the U.S.
Authors: Koyama Alain K. , Bullard Kai McKeever , Onufrak Stephen , Xu Fang , Saelee Ryan , Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Pavkov Meda E.
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Race and ethnicity data disaggregated into detailed subgroups may reveal pronounced heterogeneity in diabetes risk factors. We therefore used disaggregated data to examine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes risk factors related to lifestyle behaviors and barriers to preventive care among adults in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a pooled cross-sectional study of 3,437,640 adults aged ≥18 years in the U.S. without diagnosed diabetes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2013–2021). For self-reported race and ethnicity, the following categories were included: Hispanic (Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Other Hispanic), non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian/Alaska Native, NH Asian (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Other Asian), NH Black, NH Pacific Islander (Guamanian/Chamorro, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Other Pacific Islander), NH White, NH Multiracial, NH Other. Risk factors included current smoking, hypertension, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, being uninsured, not having a primary care doctor, health care cost concerns, and no physical exam in the past 12 months.

RESULTS

Prevalence of hypertension, lifestyle factors, and barriers to preventive care showed substantial heterogeneity among both aggregated, self-identified racial and ethnic groups and disaggregated subgroups. For example, the prevalence of overweight or obesity ranged from 50.8% (95% CI 49.1–52.5) among Chinese adults to 79.8% (73.5–84.9) among Samoan adults. Prevalence of being uninsured among Hispanic subgroups ranged from 11.4% (10.9–11.9) among Puerto Rican adults to 33.0% (32.5–33.5) among Mexican adults.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the importance of using disaggregated race and ethnicity data to accurately characterize disparities in type 2 diabetes risk factors and access to care.
Risk Factors Amenable to Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Among Disaggregated Racial and Ethnic Subgroups in the United States
Authors: Koyama Alain K. , Bullard Kai McKeever , Onufrak Stephen , Xu Fang , Saelee Ryan , Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Pavkov Meda E.
Published: November 2023

Race and ethnicity data disaggregated into detailed subgroups may reveal pronounced heterogeneity in diabetes risk factors. We therefore used disaggregated data to examine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes risk factors related to lifestyle behaviors and barriers to preventive care, among adults in the United States. We conducted a pooled cross-sectional study of 3,437,640 adults aged ≥18 in the United States without diagnosed diabetes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2013–2021). Self-reported race and ethnicity included: Hispanic (Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Other Hispanic), Non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian/Alaska Native, NH Asian (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Other Asian), NH Black, NH Pacific Islander (Guamanian/Chamorro, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Other Pacific Islander), NH White, NH Multiracial, NH Other. Risk factors included: current smoking, hypertension, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, being uninsured, not having a primary care doctor, healthcare cost concerns, and no physical exam in the past 12 months. Prevalence of hypertension, lifestyle factors and barriers to preventive care showed substantial heterogeneity among both aggregated, self-identified racial and ethnic groups and disaggregated subgroups. For example, the prevalence of overweight or obesity ranged from 50.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.1–52.5) among Chinese adults to 79.8% (73.5–84.9) among Samoan adults. Prevalence of being uninsured among Hispanic subgroups ranged from 11.4% (10.9–11.9) among Puerto Rican adults to 33.0% (32.5–33.5) among Mexican adults. These findings underscore the importance of using disaggregated race and ethnicity data to accurately characterize disparities in type 2 diabetes risk factors and access to care.
Formulation and Evaluation of Polymeric Nanoparticles of Itraconazole for Antifungal Therapy
Authors: Munija Pancheddula
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this work was to create and evaluate Itraconazole-loaded nanoparticles using the ionic gelation process to improve their solubility and bioavailability. Ionic gelation was used to prepare Itraconazole nanoparticles, which are classified as a BCS class II drug. These particles were then characterized using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning Calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, and in-vitro drug release studies. There was no evidence of contact between the drug and the polymers based on the differential scanning Calorimetry results, powder X-ray diffractometry, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Nano particulate formulation prepared with Chitosan in 1:6 ratio showed satisfactory results i.e. average particle size 201.67 nm, polydispersity index 0.111, zeta potential -46.2 mV, and entrapment efficiency 89.04%. FTIR study concluded that no major interaction occurred between the drug and polymers used in the present study. This technology on a laboratory scale and this strategy could be used to improve the solubility and bioavailability of BCS class II medications.
Project-Based Learning Model Assisted by Audio Visual Media Improves Description Writing Skills of Fifth Grade Elementary School Students
Authors: Ni Putu Clara Handayani  , Maria Goreti Rini Kristiantari
Published: November 2023

Students' skills in writing descriptions still need to improve. The lack of application of innovative and varied learning models causes it. This study aims to analyze the effect of the PjBL model assisted by audio-visual media on the descriptive writing skills of fifth-grade elementary school students. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a non-equivalent control group design. The population in this study were all fifth-grade students, totaling 310 students. The research sample was determined by cluster random sampling technique with a total of 32 students and fifth-grade students. The method and instrument used in this research was a test of Indonesian writing skills. Research data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques and inferential statistical analysis techniques. The result of the analysis is that the PjBL model assisted by audio-visual media affects the description writing skills of fifth-grade elementary school students. It was concluded that the PjBL model, assisted by audio-visual media, improved the descriptive writing skills of fifth-grade elementary school students. The implication of this research is using the PjBL model assisted by audio-visual media to help students learn so that it is suitable for learning, especially in Indonesian language content.