Adoption Of Strategies Research Articles

The Impact of Starting Positions and Breathing Rhythms on Cardiopulmonary Stress and Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption after High-Intensity Metabolic Training: A Randomized Crossover Prospective Study.

Background: The exploration of optimizing cardiopulmonary function and athletic performance through high-intensity metabolic exercises (HIMEs) is paramount in sports science. Despite the acknowledged efficacy of HIMEs in enhancing cardiopulmonary endurance, the high metabolic stress imposed on the cardiopulmonary system, especially for amateurs, necessitates a scaled approach to training. Objective: The aim of this study is to ascertain whether adjustments in the initiation posture and the adoption of an appropriate breathing strategy can effectively mitigate the cardiopulmonary stress induced by HIMEs without compromising training efficacy. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited into this study. The post-exercise heart rate (PHR) and post-exercise oxygen consumption rate (POCR) were collected within 30 min after exercise. A two-way ANOVA, multi-variable Cox regression, and random survival forest machine learning algorithm were used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: Under free breathing, only the maximum POCR differed significantly between standing and prone positions, with prone positions showing higher stress (mean difference = 3.15, p < 0.001). In contrast, the regulated breathing rhythm enhanced performance outcomes compared to free breathing regardless of the starting position. Specifically, exercises initiated from prone positions under regulated breathing recorded a significantly higher maximum and average PHR than those from standing positions (maximum PHR: mean difference = 13.40, p < 0.001; average PHR: mean difference = 6.45, p < 0.001). The multi-variable Cox regression highlighted the starting position as a critical factor influencing the PHR and breathing rhythm as a significant factor for the POCR, with respective variable importances confirmed by the random survival forest analysis. These results underscore the importance of controlled breathing and starting positions in optimizing HIME outcomes. Conclusions: Regulated breathing in high-intensity exercises enhances performance and physiological functions, emphasizing the importance of breathing rhythm over starting position. Effective training should balance exercise volume and technique to optimize performance and minimize stress, reducing overtraining and injury risks.

Amino Acid Composition Determination From the Fractional Mass of Peptides

ABSTRACTA peptide's fractional mass is directly associated with its elemental composition and thus amino acid composition. Here it is demonstrated that a peptide's fractional mass alone can be a useful identifier or indicator of that composition for small to mid‐sized peptides (5–7 amino acids) and can significantly reduce the number of viable amino acid compositions for larger peptides (&gt; 8 residues) to include or exclude certain possibilities. Separate consideration of the integer portion of the peptide's mass helps to reduce the number of possibilities where many duplicate fractional mass values are found. Adoption of this fractional mass strategy should aid approaches that are presently employed for peptide identification, including in the use of mass map data to search protein databases for proteomics applications.

DEBT POLICY OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERNIZATION OF PUBLIC FINANCES

Since the full-scale invasion of Russian Federation, public finances (PF) have been operating under conditions of uncertainty and unprecedented security challenges, akin to those experienced by the entire economic system. The level of uncertainty is such that it overshadows the current financial crises and parity with the consequences of the Second World War. This became the core objective of the study, which consisted of substantiating conceptual approaches to the formation of debt policy, considering the peculiarities of the projection of martial law on the functioning of PF. The research employs a systematic approach to methodology, integrating methods of factual and situational analysis that are grounded in international standards for public debt assessment and theoretical generalisations. Furthermore, through a comparative analysis, the interrelationships and mutual influences between debt policy and budget strategy are monitored. Furthermore, the study assesses the potential of leveraging the frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's post-war recovery through the PF system. The study revealed that the debt policy is an integral component of the PF system. Unlike other program documents, it demonstrated resilience to both endogenous and exogenous challenges and the capacity to implement corrective measures during economic crises. This has laid the foundation for a Marshall Plan-like strategy for Ukraine. The PF strategy, which was approved just before the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, prompted discussions on enhancing the predictability of budgetary policy and debt sustainability. This, together with the adoption of a medium-term public debt management strategy, became the basis for the actual establishment of the Debt Agency as a legal entity, which in the future will ensure, on the one hand, the privileging of grants among the financial mechanisms for covering the budget deficit, and, on the other hand, an additional level of budgetary strategy for generating a multiplier effect from the borrowed funds for post-war reconstruction. On the other hand, this approach will create conditions for the transition from external sources of financing the budget deficit to internal ones by expanding and diversifying the range of investors in government securities. It is proved that debt policy in both the short and medium term will serve as the basis for the implementation of the budgetary strategy of post-war reconstruction, and will create conditions for accelerating the process of forced reparations to compensate for the damage caused by the Russian Federation.

The future of AI: hospitality and tourism perspectives

ABSTRACT The Hotel Management School Leeuwarden and the European Tourism Futures Institute organised a webinar to discuss and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the hospitality and tourism industry in the future. The webinar brought together a panel of academics, including Professor Iis Tussyadiah from the University of Surrey, Professor Stanislav Ivanov from the Varna University of Management, and Frederik Jan van der Meulen from Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, to discuss the multifaceted applications of AI in the industry. The speakers shared their insights through a series of presentations, underscoring AI integration’s strategic, economic and sustainability aspects. AI is presented as a critical element in enhancing customer experiences, optimising operational processes, and shaping the industry’s future landscape. The speakers discussed the role of generative AI in improving the industry’s resilience, the economic implications of AI’s integration and the challenges and strategies for sustainable AI adoption. This webinar goes beyond traditional AI debates by analysing AI’s strategic function in future-proofing hospitality and tourism businesses, its economic impact and its role in sustainability. The speakers’ crucial insights can help the hospitality and tourism industry embrace AI, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation, ethics and sustainability. This webinar’s extensive discussion of AI as a tool for efficiency and industry transformation makes it valuable for academics and industry professionals.

Advances in Shell and Core Engineering of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Enhanced Applications.

ConspectusCarbon dots (CDs), as a novel type of fluorescent nanocarbon material, attract widespread attention in nanomedicine, optoelectronic devices, and energy conversion/storage due to their excellent optical properties, low toxicity, and high stability. They can be classified as graphene quantum dots, carbon quantum dots, and carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). Among these, CPDs exhibit tunable structures and components that allow fine-tuning of their optoelectronic properties, making them one of the most popular types of CDs in recent years. However, the structural complexity of CPDs stimulates deep exploration of the relationship between their unique structure and luminescent performance. As an organic-inorganic hybrid system, the diversity of self-limited quantum state carbon cores and polymer-hybrid shell layers makes understanding the underlying mechanisms and structure-property relationships in CPDs a very challenging task. In this context, elucidating the structural composition of CPDs and the factors that affect their optical properties is vital if the enormous potential of CPDs is to be realized. Achieving controllable structures with predefined optical properties via the adoption of specific functionalization strategies is the prized goal of current researchers in the field.In this Account, we describe the efforts made by our group in the synthesis, mechanism analysis, structural regulation, and functional applications of CPDs, with particular emphasis on the design of CPDs core-shell structures with tailored optoelectronic properties for applications in the fields of optoelectronics and energy. Specifically, through the rational selection of precursors, optimization of reaction conditions, and postmodification strategies for CPDs, we have demonstrated that it is possible to regulate both the carbon core and polymer shell layers, thereby achieving full-spectrum emission, high quantum yield, persistent luminescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and laser action in CPDs. Furthermore, we have established structure-performance relationship in CPDs and proposed a universal strategy for synergistic interactions between hybrid carbon-based cores and surface micronanostructures. In addition, we unveiled a novel luminescence mechanism in cross-linked CPDs, specifically "cross-linking synergistically inducing quantum-state luminescence", which addresses the challenge of efficient circularly polarized luminescence in the liquid and solid phases of CPDs. Subsequently, strong cross-linking, dual-rigidity, and ordering preparation methods were introduced, thereby pioneering tunable laser emission from blue to near-infrared wavelengths. Additionally, we developed a new strategy of "confined composite nanocrystals of CPDs", leading to various high-performance hydrogen evolution catalysts for water electrolysis. The CPDs developed by this strategy not only possessed excellent optical properties but also enabled high efficiencies in field of energy conversion, thus maximizing the utilization of CPDs. Finally, we discuss important new trends in CPD research and development. Overall, this Account summarizes the latest advancements in CPDs in recent years, providing case-studies that enable deep understanding of structure-property-performance relationships and regulation strategies in CPDs, guiding the future expansion and application of CPDs.

Enhancing Urban Climate Resistance Through the Application of Selected Strategies and Technologies

Adapting cities for climate resilience is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. This study outlines a comprehensive set of resilience strategies aimed at enhancing urban resilience across four key domains: water, food, shelter, and energy. These strategies, applicable to both new and existing neighborhoods, range from simple, short-term measures to complex, long-term initiatives. A three-pronged evaluation framework, consisting of three platforms, is introduced to assess these strategies where criteria are initially selected based on their impact on strategy adoption and implementation. This framework employs hypothetical scores and weights that can be adjusted for specific urban contexts through detailed studies. Key outcomes of the evaluation conducted in the first platform include a systematic method to rank strategies based on six criteria: cost, infrastructure impact, scalability, regulatory and zoning challenges, community acceptance, and maintenance needs. For example, community gardens and rainwater harvesting systems are highly scalable and accepted, whereas green roofs require more investment and maintenance. The second and third platform of the framework facilitate the identification of strategies that enhance resilience across each of the resilience domains, as well as across several domains. The results highlight the top-performing strategies under different weighted scenarios. Strategies like green roofs strategy scores high in domains like water management, due to its capacity to absorb and manage stormwater, and energy, by providing natural insulation that reduces heating and cooling demands. Additionally, green roofs contribute to food production when utilized for urban agriculture and enhance shelter by improving building durability and increasing biodiversity This data-driven framework supports the strategic prioritization of resilience strategies, enhancing urban planning and investment decisions globally. Its modularity ensures adaptability to diverse urban settings and climatic issues.

Research on low-carbon supply chain emission reduction strategies based on blockchain technology

The difficulty of regulating carbon trading due to information asymmetry and low consumer trust in low-carbon products are key factors hindering companies from reducing emissions. This paper examines a manufacturer-led secondary low-carbon supply chain consisting of a single supplier and a retailer, focusing on the impact of blockchain technology on carbon transaction costs and consumers' low-carbon preferences. Utilizing Stackelberg game theory, the paper constructs a supply chain decision model for emission reduction, determining the payment matrix and analyzing the stable strategy for blockchain adoption through evolutionary game theory. The findings indicate that retailers' adoption of blockchain technology significantly promotes emission reduction within the supply chain, whereas manufacturers' adoption has minimal impact. Additionally, the study reveals that variations in blockchain adoption costs and carbon quotas result in multiple evolutionary stable strategies. Specifically, when blockchain adoption costs and carbon quotas are below certain thresholds, the system reaches a unique equilibrium where both parties adopt blockchain technology.

Smallholder Farmers' Perception of Climate Change and Multiple Adoption of Adaptation Strategies in Côte d'Ivoire

Climate change is a global concern today due to its impacts on all aspects of life. This study analyzes the perceptions of smallholder cocoa farmers on climate change and their subsequent adaptation strategies in the Zanzan district of northeastern Côte d’Ivoire. Data collected from 322 randomly selected smallholder farmers were analyzed using a multivariate Probit. The results indicate that farmers perceive climate change through changes in climatic parameters such as rainfall, temperature and winds. To adapt to these changes, farmers adopt several strategies that are either complementary or substitutable from their point of view. The most widespread adaptation strategies in the study area are fallow, staking, shifting the sowing period and crop rotation. This multiple adoption is linked to several factors including the gender of the producer, his level of education, the possession of cereal crops, the presence of soil restoration programs in the locality. The study recommends strengthening meteorological and climate information systems and disseminating knowledge in order to increase awareness of climate change and integrate adaptation strategies into local management plans.

Building knowledge of NAMs through risk science

The 12th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences provided a platform for mobilizing and exchanging knowledge on the advancements in science and technology. It also provided an opportunity for experts to discuss how to accelerate the adoption of new strategies and tools. One of these recommendations advocated the need to bridge the gap between the next generation of scientists who have yet to learn about ‘New Approach Methodologies’ (NAMs) and the current generation of thought leaders who have pioneered the development and validation of these non-animal approaches to toxicological risk assessment. Consequently, a mini-course, held at Canada's University of Ottawa, was developed for students, aged 13–16 years, interested in learning about risk science and how NAMs can be used to inform human health risk assessment. This course also served as a platform for creating a virtual training roadmap, provided in this paper, thereby bringing this knowledge to a broader audience of learners who are establishing their careers in the field of risk science.

Visuomotor predictors of interception.

Intercepting moving targets is a fundamental skill in human behavior, influencing various domains such as sports, gaming, and other activities. In these contexts, precise visual processing and motor control are crucial for adapting and navigating effectively. Nevertheless, there are still some gaps in our understanding of how these elements interact while intercepting a moving target. This study explored the dynamic interplay among eye movements, pupil size, and interceptive hand movements, with visual and motion uncertainty factors. We developed a simple visuomotor task in which participants used a joystick to interact with a computer-controlled dot that moved along two-dimensional trajectories. This virtual system provided the flexibility to manipulate the target's speed and directional uncertainty during chase trials. We then conducted a geometric analysis based on optimal angles for each behavior, enabling us to distinguish between simple tracking and predictive trajectories that anticipate future positions of the moving target. Our results revealed the adoption of a strong interception strategy as participants approached the target. Notably, the onset and amount of optimal interception strategy depended on task parameters, such as the target's speed and frequency of directional changes. Furthermore, eye-tracking data showed that participants continually adjusted their gaze speed and position, continuously adapting to the target's movements. Finally, in successful trials, pupillary responses predicted the amount of optimal interception strategy while exhibiting an inverse relationship in trials without collisions. These findings reveal key interactions among visuomotor parameters that are crucial for solving complex interception tasks.

Quantifying Treatments as Usual and with Technologies in Neurorehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.

Several technologies have been introduced into neurorehabilitation programs to enhance traditional treatment of individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Their effectiveness has been widely investigated, but their adoption has not been properly quantified. The aim of this study is to assess the distribution of conventional (Treatment As Usual-TAU) and technology-aided (Treatment With Technologies-TWT) treatments conveniently grouped based on different therapeutic goals in a selected SCI unit. Data from 104 individuals collected in 29 months were collected in a custom database and categorized according to both the conventional American Impairment Scale classification and a newly developed Multifactor (MF) clustering approach that considers additional sources of information (the lesion level, the level of independence in the activities of daily living, and the hospitalization duration). Results indicated an average technology adoption of about 30%. Moreover, the MF clusters were less overlapped, and the differences in TWT adoption were more pronounced than in AIS-based clustering. MF clustering was capable of grouping individuals based both on neurological features and functional abilities. In particular, individuals with motor complete injuries were grouped together, whereas individuals with sensorimotor incomplete SCI were collected separately based on the lesion level. As regards TWT adoption, we found that in the case of motor complete SCI, TWT for muscle tone control and modulation was mainly selected (about 90% of TWT), while the other types of TWT were seldom adopted. Even for individuals with incomplete SCI, the most frequent rehabilitation goal was muscle tone modulation (about 75% of TWT), regardless of the AIS level, and technologies to improve walking ability (about 12% of TWT) and balance control (about 10% of TWT) were mainly used for individuals with thoracic or lumbar lesions. Analyzing TAU distribution, we found that the highest adoption of muscle tone modulation strategies was reported in the case of individuals with motor complete SCI (about 42% of TAU), that is, in cases when almost no gait training was pursued (about 1% of TAU). In the case of cervical motor incomplete SCI, compared to thoracic and lumbar incomplete SCI, there was a greater focus on muscle tone control and force recruitment in addition to walking training (38% and 14% of TAU, respectively) than on balance training. Overall, the MF clustering provided more insights than the traditional AIS-based classification, highlighting differences in TWT adoption. These findings suggest that a wider overview that considers both neurological and functional characteristics of individuals after SCI based on a multifactor analysis could enhance the personalization of neurorehabilitation strategies.

Review of triage strategies for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance among young women.

In the present study we reviewed the existing literature regarding management approaches for ASC-US and highlight their pros and cons. The ASC-US entity emerged from Bethesda classification 2001. We conducted this review using search words ASC-US triage, ASC-US management in young women, triage tests for ASC-US, and ASC-US outcome from the English literature. We included different cervical cancer policies (American, European and for WHO) and research articles published on ASC-US in young women from the year 2001. We searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE (NCBI) library, Embase (Elsevier), Wiley online library as well as Cochrane library. We defined young women as aged 30 years and below. We identified 52 articles which focused on management approaches of ASC-US, seven articles focused on young women aged <30 years. Five of these articles combined ASC-US with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-US/LSIL) while only two addressed ASC-US as a standalone entity. The limited number of articles restricts the evidence base supporting the adoption of triage strategies. There is yet, no consensus in the literature regarding the management of ASC-US, more so in young women below the age of 30 years. Researchers, however, agree on a few aspects, which include the necessity for applying a conservative strategy for managing ASC-US in young women, avoiding direct referral for colposcopy at the initial detection of ASC-US, and avoiding the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on young women (unless living with HIV). Newer techniques such as HPV E6/E7 messenger RNA (mRNA), and dual staining p16/ki-67, may serve as better triage to identify cases of HPV persistence and integration which may subsequently lead to preinvasive or invasive lesions.

Exploring the perspectives of health care professionals on digital health technologies in pediatric care and rehabilitation

BackgroundDigital health technologies are increasingly used by healthcare professionals working in pediatric hospital and rehabilitation settings. Multiple factors may affect the implementation and use of digital health technologies in these settings. However, such factors have not been identified in a multidisciplinary, pediatric context. The objective of this study was to describe actual use and to identify the factors that promote or hinder the intention to use digital health technologies (mobile learning applications, virtual/augmented reality, serious games, robotic devices, telehealth applications, computerized assessment tools, and wearables) among pediatric healthcare professionals.MethodsAn online survey evaluating opinions, current use, and future intentions to use digital health technologies was completed by 108 professionals at one of Canada’s largest pediatric institutes. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the attitudes of healthcare professionals who intend to increase their use of digital health technologies and those who do not. Linear regression analyses were used to determine predictors of usage success.ResultsHealthcare professionals reported mostly using mobile and tablet learning applications (n = 43, 38.1%), telehealth applications (n = 49, 43.4%), and computerized assessment tools (n = 33, 29.2%). Attitudes promoting the intention to increase the use of digital health technologies varied according to technology type. Healthcare professionals who wished to increase their use of digital health technologies reported a more positive attitude regarding benefits in clinical practice and patient care, but were also more critical of potential negative impacts on patient-professional relationships. Ease of use (β = 0.374; p = 0.020) was a significant predictor of more favorable usage success. The range of obstacles encountered was also a significant predictor (β = 0.342; p = 0.032) of less favorable evaluation of usage success. Specific factors that hinder successful usage are lack of training (β = 0.303; p = 0.033) and inadequate infrastructure (β = 0.342; p = 0.032).ConclusionsWhen working with children, incorporating digital health technologies can be effective for motivation and adherence. However, it is crucial to ensure these tools are implemented properly. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing training and infrastructure needs when elaborating technology-specific strategies for multidisciplinary adoption of digital health technologies in pediatric settings.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

This research investigates the impact of varied levels of feeding and controlled feed restrictions on the growth parameters, and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. The study focuses on weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed consumption. A total of twenty-five (25) broiler chicks were grouped into 5 groups. Group 1 (Control) had ad libitum feeding , and Groups 2-5 had 95% , 90%, 85% , and 80% of ad libitum feeding respectively for four weeks. Results indicate that the group 2, with 95% of ad libitum feeding, exhibited the highest weight gain, less feed conversion ratio (FCR), and higher feed consumption. Result indicates that other groups subjected to feed restriction including the control group, displayed improved FCR values, suggesting enhanced nutrient utilization for growth, less weight, and less feed consumption. The study recommends the adoption of balanced feed restriction strategies for optimizing broiler production, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of feeding practices for sustainable and economically efficient outcomes. Keywords: Feed restriction, Growth performance, Broiler chickens, Feed efficiency

Social Work Field Practicum in the Time of Social Distancing: A Case of Bangladesh

Field practicum is an integral part of social work education. Social work students are typically placed with social service organisations to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom and to acquire new skills in the practice setting. However, the COVID-19 pandemic limited face-to-face communications, which affected on-site internships. The purpose of this article is to examine the difficulties in conducting social work field practicum during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Based on the in-depth interviews with purposively selected three social work academics, five field practicum students, and three field placement agency supervisors, this article identified the challenges of conducting field practicum during the pandemic. The implications of analysis include creation of a regulatory body and the development and adoption of innovative strategies by social work educators and schools.

Higher Education Institutions’ appreciation and adoption of e-publishing in Macau, China

The rapid digitization of scholarly communication has globally transformed the landscape of academic publishing. Through descriptive research, this study explored the appreciation and adoption of e-publishing strategies within higher education institutions in Macau, China. It aimed to establish a framework for effective e-publishing strategies in educational management to enhance teaching methodologies, student engagement, and learning outcomes. The research objectives included profiling higher education institutions based on enrolment figures, teaching modalities, institutional types, and learning facilities. Additionally, it assessed the level of appreciation of administrators, teachers, and students regarding electronically published learning materials in terms of quality, content, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Comparative analyses were conducted to discern differences in assessments among the three respondent groups. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between institutional profiles and the level of appreciation for e-publishing. It also evaluated the extent of e-publishing adoption in academic management, administration, resource accessibility, and learning outcomes. There is a moderate adoption on the level of adoption of electronically published learning materials in terms of academic management, administration, and learning outcomes as assessed by the administrators, the teachers and the students. Ultimately, the findings yielded for the development of a strategic plan to promote the effective integration of e-publishing in higher education institutions in Macau, China.

Feed additives supplementation: a potential strategy to ameliorate heat stress in sheep

Abstract Given a significant climate-flexible and socio-economic role in developing nations, environmental heat stress imposes a major financial impact on sheep production systems globally endangering their production, reproduction, and growth. In this regard, the adverse effects of heat stress on sheep production systems have to be addressed through adoption of effective heat alleviation measures like animal management, nutritional management and genetic interventions of which the nutritional interventions seems to be the most cost effective way to alleviate heat stress. Nutritional manipulation for heat stress alleviation in sheep involves the use of antioxidant supplements (Vitamin B; Vitamin E and Selenium; Selenium; Zinc sulphate and folic acid; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc; Naringin; Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis; Açai oil and Brown seaweed like Ascophyllum nodosum and Sargassum latifolium). Further, electrolyte supplements (Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB); Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; Sodium hydroxide) have a beneficial effect on thermal responses, respiratory activities, gas exchange parameters, rumen fermentation, blood buffering capacity and acid-base balance. The mineral mixture supplements (Mineral blocks; Mineral mixture and antioxidants; Chromium; Zinc) play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of antioxidant defence system, immunity-related parameters, production, reproduction, feed digestibility and insulin sensitivity. Probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Pediococcus cerevisiae, Megaspha eraelsdenii, Bacillus licheniformis, Aspergillus oryzae, Schizochytrium limacinum, Trichoderma reesei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) improve lactational performance, dietary energy utilization and productivity. The probiotics (live Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharide plus b-glucans) used in heat stress alleviation improve dietary energy utilisation. Furthermore, the vital role of herbal supplements (Rosemary, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Clove, Naringin, Chestnut tannins, Giloy stem powder, Curcumin, Rocket oil (watercress oil), Flaxseed, Cornus, Oregano, Thyme, Chamomile flowers, Moringa oleifera, Betaine) has been highlighted to promote feed intake, antioxidant status, growth performance, feed utilization, reproductive performance and immune response. Effective adoption of nutritional strategies can thus ensure sustainable sheep production in this changing climate scenario.

Perspective on oral medication adherence among patients with acute graft-versus-host disease: a qualitative descriptive study

PurposeDespite the importance of adherence to immunosuppressants (IMMs) after an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), no studies to date have reported the experiences of such patients concerning medication adherence (MA). Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the perspective on MA to immunosuppressive oral therapy among allogeneic HSCT patients with aGvHD.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study following a reflexive thematic analysis methodological approach was performed involving a purposive sample of 16 patients with aGvHD who were being cared for in the outpatient setting of a bone marrow transplant centre and were willing to participate. Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed; member checking was performed. COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) and the ESPACOMP Medication Adherence Reporting Guideline were followed.ResultsParticipants aged 25–74 years and mostly males (62.5%) were recruited for this study; 56.2% developed grade I, 37.5% grade II and 6.3% grade III aGvHD; 56.2% were receiving treatment with both cyclosporine and prednisone. Patients' perspectives have been summarised into four themes, named: “Transiting from an external obligation to a habit”; “Being in the middle between the negative and positive effects of the IMMs”; “Failure to systematically respect the rules”; and “Adopting personal strategies to become adherent”. After difficulties with the perception of feeling obliged, patients became used to adhering to IMMs. Although there were failures in systematically taking the medication correctly and there were episodes of non-adherence, the adoption of personal strategies helped patients to become adherent to their medication schedules.ConclusionsMA in patients with aGvHD is a complex behaviour and is often a challenge. These results can help healthcare professionals and centres to understand how best to design tailored strategies and behavioural interventions to maximise patients’ MA to IMMs.

CFD-based shape optimization of flashing converging-diverging nozzles in pelton turbines for domestic carbon dioxide heat pumps including off-design conditions

A path to enhance the coefficient of performance (COP) of domestic heat pumps is to replace the throttling valve with a turboexpander. Designing this component requires addressing supersonic flashing flows localized within the nozzle. In particular, two-phase flows prevent the application of the method of characteristics to design efficient converging–diverging shapes. To overcome this issue, we propose a shape optimization combined with a homogeneous equilibrium flow model as a design tool. Kriging models are used as surrogates of the objective function and constraint to reduce the overall computational burden associated with shape optimization. The infilling criterion to improve surrogate accuracy involves the maximization of the constrained expected improvement. A multi-point optimization is formulated, including design and off-design conditions in both objective and constraint, for a total of four relevant operating conditions. The off-design conditions are derived from system analysis, accounting for variations in the evaporator temperature and outlet gas-cooler temperature. The optimized nozzle results in a COP improvement of 7.6%, compared to a 6.6% increase when replacing the throttling valve with a baseline geometry designed as recommended by the literature. The adoption of a multi-point optimization strategy ensures that this enhancement in design conditions is not offset by off-design performance decay, which is 0.3 percentage points over the three off-design conditions. Overall, replacing the throttling valve with the optimized expander leads to an average COP improvement of 8.6%.

Developing Transcreation Skills in Translation Studies: Training University Lectures to Address Demands for Creative Translation

The relevance of transcreation skills goes beyond mere translation strategy to a more sought-after service, that help equip translators with relevant employability skills. Nevertheless, the concern for the high demands of translators who possess these skills calls for a thorough training of future translators to acquire these skills. On the other hand, this will be possible if translator educators are already equipped with these skills. As such, this study aims to explore how translation educators, specifically, university lecturers can be prepared to effectively address the growing need for transcreation skills. The research further explores practical techniques and approaches aimed at teaching instructors to successfully impart transcreation abilities and adequately equip students for employment in creative translation. In order to achieve the objective of this research, a quantitative research methodology was adopted, and an online research questionnaire was also utilized. Moreover, a total of ninety-seven (97) study participants were included in the online survey to express their perspectives on how the university lecturers can be trained to address demands for creative translation. The participants' replies, which constitute the primary dataset for this study, were presented and subjected to thorough analysis. Additionally, these replies provided additional clarification on the two fundamental study hypotheses. The study results highlighted several fundamental elements connected with transcreation skills, including bilingual proficiency, creative writing, cultural sensitivity, and multimedia proficiency. Based on the analyzed data, the research revealed that adoption of practical strategies and methodologies such as professional development, inclusion of transcreation projects in translation training module, collaboration with industry experts, and technology integration helps to train translation educators to effectively teach transcreation skills. The study, however, recommends combination of these identified strategies for effective training of university lecturers.