bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of introducing integrated disease surveillance and response into curricula of public health training institutions in Sierra Leone: the process and lessons learnt
Authors: Njuguna Charles , Mbawa Abdul , Njeru Ian , Nuwagira Innocent Bright , Vandi Mohamed , Kanu Joseph Sam , Squire James Sylvester , Koroma Aminata Tigiedankay , Renner Ade , Musoke Robert , Gachari Wilson , Caulker Victor , Githuku Jane , Shambira Gerald , Bonkoungou Boukare , Talisuna Ambrose , Koua Etien Luc , Chamla Dick , Yoti Zabulon , Gueye Abdou Salam 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionResponse to public health emergencies is a big challenge in African countries due to inadequate workforce. Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategy implemented by African member states of WHO to strengthen capacity for disease surveillance and response at all levels. Despite successful implementation of IDSR in most countries, one of the challenges that persists is that of inadequate trained workforce competent enough for public health surveillance. Introducing IDSR pre-service curriculum in public health training institutions has therefore been recommended by WHO as one of the strategies to sustainably address the human resource challenge. We report on the process and lessons learnt in Sierra Leone which was the first country to implement the recommendation.MethodsThis was a descriptive study where the process of introducing and implementing IDSR pre-service curriculum in Sierra Leone was documented from 2018 to 2024. Data was collected through observation, documentation and analysis of key processes that took place. These processes included, inter alia, advocacy with public health training institutions, development of the IDSR pre-service curriculum and incorporation of the curriculum into the existing training programs of colleges and universities.ResultsIDSR preservice curriculum was developed and successfully introduced in eight targeted public health training institutions in Sierra Leone from September 2021. Training content was adapted from the 3rd Edition of IDSR technical guidelines developed by WHO in 2019. As at February 2024, more than 4,200 students had started taking IDSR modules in the eight institutions with 2,108 having completed and graduated. During the process, we learned that key enablers to success were government support, good advocacy with the training institutions and training of lecturers on IDSR. Main challenges were the long process of curriculum approval by training institutions and handling of big classes of students without adequate training materials.ConclusionIntroducing IDSR into the preservice curricula of public health training institutions is feasible and can provide a reliable and continuous supply of a trained workforce ready to be utilized for IDSR in Africa. Successful implementation requires advocacy with training institutions as well as regular monitoring of the implementation to maintain good quality.
Construction and optimization of health behavior prediction model for the older adult in smart older adult care
Authors: Guo Qian , Chen Peiyuan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionWith the intensification of global aging, health management for the older adult has become a significant societal concern. Addressing challenges such as data diversity, health status complexity, long-term dependence, and data privacy is crucial for predicting older adult health behaviors.MethodsThis study designs and implements a smart older adult care service model incorporating modules like multimodal data fusion, data loss processing, nonlinear prediction, emergency detection, and privacy protection. It leverages multi-source datasets and market research for accurate health behavior prediction and dynamic management.ResultsThe model demonstrates excellent performance in health behavior prediction, emergency detection, and delivering personalized services. Experimental results show an increase in accuracy and robustness in health behavior prediction.DiscussionThe model effectively addresses the needs of smart older adult care, offering a promising solution to enhance prediction accuracy and system robustness. Future improvements, integrating more data and optimizing technology, will strengthen its potential for providing comprehensive support in older adult care services.
Factors associated with access to health services among people with long COVID in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Miranda Amanda Loyse da Costa , Costa Vanessa Ladyanne da Silva , da Paixão Ana Rosa Tavares , Martins Melissa Barbosa , Polaro Sandra Helena Isse , Cunha Carlos Leonardo Figueiredo , Botelho Eliã Pinheiro , Pedroso Andrey Oeiras , Silva Ana Cristina de Oliveira e , Reis Renata Karina , Ferreira Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAccess to healthcare services for the population with long COVID is a challenge, as healthcare systems have been tasked with responding effectively to the extensive clinical heterogeneity of this disease.ObjectiveTo analyze the factors associated with access to health services among people with long COVID in the Brazilian Amazon.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using a quantitative method, conducted through an online survey between May 2023 and January 2024. The study included participants aged 18 years or older, residing in the northern region of Brazil, with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and who experienced long COVID. Participants completed an adapted version of the questionnaire on the Research Electronic Data Capture platform. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression.ResultsA total of 364 people with long COVID participated in the study, of which only 167 (45.88%) had access to healthcare to treat the symptoms of this clinical condition. In the final multiple logistic regression model, only factors related to the need for services were associated with healthcare access. Participants with symptoms of dermatological alterations (AOR = 2.57; p = 0.01), a pre-COVID-19 diagnosis of chronic disease (AOR = 5.62; p = 0.04), those who treated their most severe COVID-19 infection with the assistance of a healthcare professional (AOR = 4.97; p = 0.01), and those who used antibiotics during their most severe COVID-19 infection (AOR = 3.24; p = 0.01) were more likely to access healthcare services for treating long COVID.ConclusionFactors related to the need for services were the only ones associated in this population. It is important to know these aspects to identify the most affected populations and propose measures.
The immediate pain relief of low-level laser therapy for burning mouth syndrome: a retrospective study of 94 cases
Authors: Mu Wenxin , Li Shanshan , Lu Qian , Wang Juan , Tao Xiaoan 
Published: December 2024

SignificanceBurning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder that seriously affects quality of life of patients. In recent years, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been regarded as an important innovation in pain management, but there is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness in patients with painful BMS. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT for immediate pain relief due to BMS.MethodsThis retrospective study included 94 BMS patients that were treated with an intraoral semiconductor laser (635 nm, 100 mW/cm2). Pain was self-assessed before and immediately after LLLT sessions using a 0-to-10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Paired-samples t-test and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to analyze overall efficacy and its influencing factors.ResultsAfter standardized LLLT session, 71.3% of patients reported an immediate pain decrease. Compared to pre-LLLT treatment, the VAS immediately post-LLLT was significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.001). Mean post-LLLT VAS reduction was 2.2 ± 2.0, equivalent to 39.9% of the initial pain level. Meanwhile, low VAS before treatment, history of smoking or alcohol, xerostomia, and gingival lesions correlated with worse LLLT efficacy. There were no side effects or adverse reactions were noticed by the practitioner or reported by the patients.ConclusionsLLLT may provide non-pharmacological, non-invasive, side-effect-free, and rapid pain relief for painful BMS patients. No baseline characteristics affecting overall efficiency were found except for VAS before treatment, history of smoking or alcohol, xerostomia, and gingival lesions.
Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics
Authors: Polisensky Emil , Clarke Tracy E. , Giacintucci Simona , Peters Wendy 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAccurate primary beam calibration is essential for precise brightness measurements in radio astronomy. The VLA Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) faces challenges in calibration due to the offset Cassegrain optics used in its commensal observing system. This study aims to develop a novel calibration method to improve accuracy with no impact on the Very Large Array (VLA) primary science observations.MethodsWe used the apparent brightness of standard candles identified in VLITE’s commensal data to develop 1D and 2D primary beam response models. These models accounted for operational changes and asymmetries caused by the subreflector and were validated against holographic methods and compact source light curves.ResultsThe models achieved calibration accuracy within 3% across the field of view, significantly improving the precision of brightness measurements. The results were consistent with holography-derived solutions and performed reliably under different operational conditions.DiscussionThis improved calibration technique expands VLITE’s capabilities for studying active galactic nuclei, transients, and pulsars. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional holographic methods, facilitating broader use in commensal observing systems.
Achieving inter- and transdisciplinarity in Ecohealth: insights from a rodent-borne disease project in a polycrisis era
Authors: Arpin Isabelle , Massart Clémence , Bourret Vincent , Castel Guillaume , Colombo Valeria Carolina , Eccard Jana , Firozpoor Jasmin , Grzybek Maciej , Henttonen Heikki A , Leirs Herwig , McManus Andrew , Roche Ben , Sironen Tarja , Sluydts Vincent , Stuart Peter , Zintl Annetta , Charbonnel Nathalie 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionInter- and transdisciplinary research (ITDR) is increasingly promoted to address “wicked problems”, particularly in health sectors adopting approaches like Ecohealth. Our Ecohealth-inspired project on rodent-borne diseases, initiated just before the COVID-19 pandemic, provided an opportunity to evaluate ITDR implementation.MethodsWe employed a recently developed semi-quantitative evaluation method to measure our project’s success in achieving ITDR and analyzed factors influencing this achievement.ResultsThe project showed strengths in system description, team task allocation, and data sharing, but had lower scores in engaging societal actors throughout the project cycle.DiscussionWe identified the underexplored influence of problem wickedness as a critical determinant of ITDR success. Addressing rodent-borne diseases, a less wicked problem, limited engagement potential but enabled constructive dialog with local actors. These insights are vital for addressing variably wicked problems in a polycrisis era. We propose recommendations to strengthen researchers’ capacities, particularly in Ecohealth.
Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) Support in New Era of Heart Transplant
Authors: Giovannico Lorenzo , Fischetti Giuseppe , Parigino Domenico , Savino Luca , Di Bari Nicola , Milano Aldo Domenico , Padalino Massimo , Bottio Tomaso 
Published: December 2024

Heart failure is a serious and challenging medical condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to reduced blood flow to organs and tissues. Several underlying causes may be linked to this, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, or previous heart attacks. Therefore, it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and medical attention. HF affects &gt;64 million individuals worldwide. Heart transplantation remains the gold standard of treatment for patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy. The recruitment of marginal donors may be considered an asset at the age of cardiac donor organ shortage. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is becoming increasingly common in the new era of heart transplantations. PGD is the most common cause of death within 30 days of cardiac transplantation. Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS), particularly venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO), is the only effective treatment for severe PGD. VA-ECMO support ensures organ perfusion and provides the transplanted heart with adequate rest and recovery. In the new era of heart transplantation, early use allows for increased patient survival and careful management reduces complications.
Economia cultural e o empoderamento feminino: explorando o projeto "EmpreendaELAS!"
Authors: Silva Raniele Duarte da , Rodrigues Lais Helena Gouveia 
Published: December 2024

Este trabalho apresenta o projeto "EmpreendaELAS!", que objetiva capacitar mulheres empreendedoras brasileiras na economia criativa e cultural, promovendo sua representatividade e empoderamento no mercado. A problemática foca na necessidade de proporcionar ferramentas estratégicas para que as empreendedoras femininas possam superar desafios socioeconômicos e fortalecer seus modelos de negócios, alinhando-se a ODS 5 (Igualdade de gênero). A metodologia adotada para a capacitação estrutura-se em sete módulos, a partir de quatro pilares: Atividade lúdica, atividade simbólica, atividade teórica e atividade prática, focados no desenvolvimento de propósito, planejamento estratégico, criatividade e inovação. Os resultados indicam que o projeto promoveu melhorias significativas no desenvolvimento dos empreendimentos, contribuindo para a autonomia financeira das mulheres e a geração de redes de apoio. As ferramentas aplicadas durante os módulos, facilitaram o planejamento estratégico e a inovação dos negócios, não apenas capacitando as das empreendedoras, mas também gerando impactos socioeconômicos positivos. Conclui-se que a metodologia implementada no "EmpreendaELAS!" permite as mulheres se posicionarem de maneira mais competitiva no mercado, contribuindo para a construção de uma sociedade mais igualitária e inclusiva.
اثر التدريس باستخدام نموذج كولب في تنمية مهارات طلبة قسم التربية الفنية في مادة الاخراج المسرحي
Authors: قاسم علي عمر 
Published: December 2024

يرمي البحث الحالي الى :
(التعرف على اثر التدريس باستخدام نموذج كولب في تنمية مهارات طلبة قسم التربية الفنية في مادة الاخراج المسرحي ).
ولتحقيق اهداف البحث صاغ الباحث فرضية صفرية لمناقشة النتائج ، وقد اعتمد الباحث المنهج التجريبي، وتحديدا التصميم ذو العينتين (التجريبية والضابطة) وكانت عينة البحث (26) من طلاب قسم التربية الفنية في الكلية الفنون الجميلة/ ديالى ، اجرى الباحث تكافؤ بين مجموعتي البحث في عدد من المتغيرات ، ثم تم تدريس المجموعتين مدة (8) اسابيع ، ولقياس تحصيل افراد عينتي البحث قام الباحث ببناء اداة لبحثه هي استمارة الملاحظة وتكونت من (10) فقرات بمقياس خماسي ،واستخرج الباحث لها الصدق والثبات، امـا الوسائل الاحصائـية فقد تم تطبيق عدة وسائل لمعالجة البيانات من خلال الحقيبة الاحصائية (Spss)
واسفرت نتائج البحث عن اثر التدريس باستخدام نموذج كولب في تنمية مهارات طلبة قسم التربية الفنية في مادة الاخراج المسرحي، وفي ضوء النتائج التي توصل إليها الباحث ختم البحث بمجموعة من الاستنتاجات والتوصيات والمقترحات
Enhancing Cu interconnect reflow in back-end-of-line metal wiring with ultrathin Co liners
Authors: Jeong Byeong Hwa , Kim Dong Woo , Lee Sun Young , Kim Dong Shin , Lee Seung Han , Lee Sang Ho , Uematsu Masaki , Kokaze Yutaka , Taura Yasuyuki , Harada Masamichi , Yeom Geun Young , Kim Kyong Nam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This research investigates the gap-fill characteristics of Cu in back-end-of-line (BEOL) interconnects, focusing on Co liner deposition using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and cyclic-CVD (C-CVD). Providing superior gap-fill characteristics for BEOL interconnect applications is important. Three methods—CVD, C-CVD, and a combination of the two—were compared in terms of their effects on Cu reflow and electrical performance. CVD exhibited the lowest resistivity (44 μΩ cm at 10 nm thickness) and the fewest carbon impurities, confirmed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that CVD produced the smoothest surface (Rq ∼0.5 nm), enabling better adhesion and uniform Cu reflow. At 300 °C, Co liners deposited by CVD achieved void-free Cu–Mn filling in 20 nm trenches, which showed CVD to outperform other methods. These findings highlight CVD as the most effective technique for precise Co liner deposition, ensuring reliable Cu interconnects in advanced semiconductor nodes.
Estudo do crescimento físico das crianças das creches particulares de Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR.
Authors: Corseuil Herton Xavier 
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o crescimento físico de crianças préescolares do município de Marechal Cândido Rondon/Pr. Especificamente, buscouse uma comparação do crescimento físico de crianças de creches particulares e públicas do município. Participaram da amostra 61 crianças (28 meninas e 33 meninos), matriculadas em uma escola particular do município. Os dados de crescimento físico (peso e estatura), foram obtidos através de procedimentos específicos para tais medidas, conforme estabelece a literatura, e foram analisados através de distribuição percentílica do peso/idade e estatura/idade. Com base em estudo realizado anteriormente, no qual foram obtidos dados semelhantes às variáveis em questão, porém realizado em creches públicas com uma amostragem de cerca de 160 crianças, pôdese traçar uma comparação entre os resultados. Pôde-se observar a não existência de diferenças estatísticas significativas entre o crescimento físico das crianças das creches públicas e particulares. Com base nos re ltados pode-se concluir que as crianças pré-escolares de Mal. Cândido Rondon/Pr apresentam-se com parâmetros normais de desenvolvimento físico. A não existência de diferenças entre o crescimento das crianças de creches públicas e da escola particular permite supor conclusivamente, que o fator sócio-econômico não está exercendo influências nem positivas ou negativas para um grupo e outro, considerando-se que as crianças da creche particular estejam inseridas em um contexto economicamente mais estruturado. Pode se admitir que algumas diferenças observadas podem estar relacionadas a fatores genéticos e individuais.
Nutritious Rice Consumption among Urban Consumers in Naypyitaw, Myanmar
Authors: Lwin Chan Myae , Napasintuwong Orachos , Praneetvatakul Suwanna 
Published: December 2024

Myanmar faces considerable nutrition challenges, including high rates of anemia, stunting, and wasting, alongside a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Given the country’s high per capita rice consumption, nutritious rice offers a culturally compatible intervention to address these issues. This study investigates the factors associated with choices of nutritious rice among consumers in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Data were collected from 481 participants and analyzed using a binomial logit model. Results indicate that only 17% of consumers have chosen nutritious rice in the past three years. Higher education levels, increased income, presence of health-vulnerable household members, and positive health behaviors—such as regular exercise, higher fruit intake, and attention to nutritional labeling—were found to significantly increase the likelihood of nutritious rice consumption. Conversely, perceived barriers related to availability and affordability significantly hinder consumption. Findings underscore the need for improvements in consumer knowledge and awareness of health benefits of nutritious rice, as well as policies supporting increased affordability and accessibility, to foster greater consumption and improve dietary health in Myanmar.
FACTORS AFFECTING EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
Authors: Mwanaumo Erastus Misheng’u , Kilaka Simon , Chisumbe Sampa , Mwanaumo Ethel Tembo 
Published: December 2024

Globally, public procurement has been used as a tool to support small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) due to the important role they play in the economy. SMEs participation in every sphere of economic activities including public procurement is one of the ways the sector can promote economic development of the country. However, SMEs sometimes are usually reluctant to sell to government. The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors affecting effective participation of SMEs in public procurement market in Zambia. This study employed cross sectional descriptive design, with a quantitative approach. Data was collected was collected from a total of 186 respondents drawn from SMEs registered with PACRA and operating in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Random sampling was used in selecting SMEs, and respondents included company/business owners, managers as well as supervisors. Data collected was analysed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis. The findings revealed that regulatory framework factors, SMEs capacities factors, public procurement tendering factors and SMEs attitude factors are significant determinants with a combined effect size of (0.675) and a coefficient of determination of 43.9%. Further, based on the Hierarchical regression model, the study finds that the largest predictors of SMEs effective participation in public procurement market are public tendering process and SMEs attitude towards public procurement. Findings of this research can potentially contribute to high participation of SMEs in the public procurement market in Zambia.
MacBehaviour: An R package for behavioural experimentation on large language models
Authors: Duan Xufeng , Li Shixuan , Cai Zhenguang G. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The study of large language models (LLMs) and LLM-powered chatbots has gained significant attention in recent years, with researchers treating LLMs as participants in psychological experiments. To facilitate this research, we developed an R package called “MacBehaviour “ (https://github.com/xufengduan/MacBehaviour), which interacts with over 100 LLMs, including OpenAI's GPT family, the Claude family, Gemini, Llama family, and other open-weight models. The package streamlines the processes of LLM behavioural experimentation by providing a comprehensive set of functions for experiment design, stimuli presentation, model behaviour manipulation, and logging responses and token probabilities. With a few lines of code, researchers can seamlessly set up and conduct psychological experiments, making LLM behaviour studies highly accessible. To validate the utility and effectiveness of “MacBehaviour,“ we conducted three experiments on GPT-3.5 Turbo, Llama-2-7b-chat-hf, and Vicuna-1.5-13b, replicating the sound-gender association in LLMs. The results consistently demonstrated that these LLMs exhibit human-like tendencies to infer gender from novel personal names based on their phonology, as previously shown by Cai et al. (2024). In conclusion, “MacBehaviour” is a user-friendly R package that simplifies and standardises the experimental process for machine behaviour studies, offering a valuable tool for researchers in this field.