Contemporary Approaches Research Articles

Протокол междисциплинарного взаимодействия остеопата и стоматолога в процессе ортодонтического лечения

Contemporary approaches to orthodontic treatment are complex: in complicated cases, they combine removable/fixed orthodontic appliances and surgical treatment, i.e., extraction of permanent teeth. In order to prevent negative outcomes and complications that can follow correction of dentofacial abnormalities and deformities, children and adults alike need to be thoroughly examined and prepared to the orthodontic stage of treatment. Many studies point to the relationship between orthodontic treatment and development of somatic dysfunctions. The purpose of this work was to develop an osteopathic disorders correction algorithm that can be introduced to an interdisciplinary protocol uniting efforts by an osteopath and an orthodontist with the aim to improve the quality of specialized orthodontic medical care.

Enabling Effective Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Interventions

BackgroundThe design, implementation, and evaluation are three important stages of occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions. Historically, there has been a tendency to prioritize implementation, often neglecting detailed design and rigorous outcome evaluation. Currently, much has changed, and contemporary approaches recognize the interdependence of these stages, considering them integral to the success of any intervention. This work presents a comprehensive procedure for implementing interventions, not only to ensure short-term effectiveness but also their long-term sustainability through continuous monitoring. The focus is on a national OSH project introducing a near-miss management system (NMS) in Italy. MethodsInitial meetings were convened among project partners, complemented by interviews with diverse stakeholders, to plan implementation steps and test the NMS. Tailored questionnaires were designed for diverse stakeholder groups – initial promoters, company managers and employers, and employees – facilitating targeted implementation, and three case studies were started in Italian regions to assess the structured implementation, involving intervention promoters and collaborating companies. ResultsThe primary outcome is the development of practical tools, specifically three questionnaires, which are considered valuable for establishing an effective human-centered implementation strategy, meticulously designed to facilitate ongoing monitoring of processes and continual enhancement of instruments intended for NMS integration within companies. ConclusionsThis work lays the foundation for successful NMS implementation in Italy and, although the outlined procedure had specific objectives, it also provides valuable insights applicable in enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions across diverse contexts. It underscores the importance of comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation in achieving lasting OSH interventions.

Changing Pesantren Program through Turats Police Innovation: Building the Comprehensive and Quality Students

This article aims to describe research on Islamic Boarding School Curriculum Transformation Through Turats Pole Innovation: Building a Holistic and Qualified Generation of Santri. The transformation of the pesantren curriculum through the Turats Pole innovation is an approach to building a holistic and quality generation of students. The traditional pesantren curriculum has played an important role in maintaining and developing religious and cultural values in society. Turats Pole is a concept that combines traditional and contemporary approaches in Islamic boarding school education. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, and documentation studies. Based on the research results, this transformation aims to integrate religious values and modern science so that students not only become religious experts but also have a good understanding of science and technology. It is hoped that the transformation of the pesantren curriculum through the Turats Pole innovation will produce a generation of students who are not only spiritually and morally strong but also have knowledge and skills that are relevant to the demands of the times. Thus, pesantren can play an active role in the development of society and the nation as a whole.

Transformative Insights: Global Perspectives on Feedback Quality for Elevating undergraduate students’ Engagement and Motivation

This study explores the dynamics of feedback quality from the perspectives of professors and its profound impact on the motivation and engagement of undergraduate students. Drawing upon insights from a diverse group of professors representing 12 different countries, this study employs a meticulously designed qualitative methodology, facilitating a thorough exploration of the connections between feedback processes and student outcomes through an interpretive lens. Notably, our findings emphasize the transformative potential of constructive feedback when supported by contemporary pedagogical approaches. The study reveals the challenges educators face in delivering comprehensive feedback while also highlighting themes such as a commitment to continuous professional development, a preference for face-to-face interactions over technological advancements, and the transformative impact of the feedback process on personal growth. Additionally, the participants’ recommendations align with broader pedagogical principles, emphasizing relationship building, perceiving feedback as an opportunity for improvement, fostering accessibility, continuous professional development, and creating psychological safety within the classroom. These recommendations provide practical insights for educators, guiding them to enhance their practices and cultivate supportive learning environments.

Homelessness: challenges and opportunities in the “new normal”

Purpose This paper – the final paper of a series of three – aims to discuss the implications of the findings from a service user needs assessment of people experiencing homelessness in the Northwest of England. It will expand on the previous paper by offering a more detailed analysis and discussion of the identified key themes and issues. The service user needs assessment was completed as part of a review of local service provision in the Northwest of England against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured questionnaires were administered and used by health-care professionals to collect data from individuals accessing the Homeless and Vulnerable Adults Service (HVAS) in Bolton. The questionnaires included a section exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences. Data from 100 completed questionnaires were analysed to better understand the needs of those accessing the HVAS. Findings Multiple deprivations including extensive health and social care needs were identified within the cohort. Meeting these complex needs was challenging for both service users and service providers. This paper will explore key themes identified by the needs assessment and draw upon further comments from those who participated in the data-gathering process. The paper discusses the practicalities of responding to the complex needs of those with lived experience of homelessness. It highlights how a coordinated partnership approach, using an integrated service delivery model can be both cost-effective and responsive to the needs of those often on the margins of our society. Research limitations/implications Data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of challenges. The collection period had to be extended whilst patient care was prioritised. Quantitative methods were used, however, this limited the opportunity for service user involvement and feedback. Future research could use qualitative methods to address this balance and use a more inclusive approach. Practical implications This study illustrates that the needs of the homeless population are broad and varied. Although the population themselves have developed different responses to their situations, their needs can only be fully met by a co-ordinated, multi-agency, partnership response. An integrated service model can help identify, understand, and meet the needs of the whole population and individuals within it to improve healthcare for a vulnerable population. Social implications This study highlighted new and important findings around the resilience of the homeless population and the significance of building protective factors to help combat the multiplicity of social isolation with both physical and mental health problems. Originality/value The discussion provides an opportunity to reflect on established views in relation to the nature and scope of homelessness. The paper describes a contemporary approach to tackling current issues faced by those experiencing homelessness in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for service improvements will include highlighting established good practices including embedding a more inclusive/participatory approach.

The adaptable coach – a critical review of the practical implications for traditional and constraints-led approaches in sport coaching

Coaches are faced with navigating a complex and dynamic environment that requires the wise and measured management of numerous competing factors. Traditional and contemporary approaches are often contrasted, with traditional approaches thought to be beneficial for outcomes like speed of skill acquisition but criticised for being overly prescriptive, and contemporary approaches praised for facilitating individualised learning and transferrable skillsets. We contend that the task for coaches is not deciding which approach is “better” and strictly conforming to one approach, rather it is determining which approach or learning principles best suit the athlete's learning requirements. Coaching is not an exact science, it is an art, in which skilled coaches need to be open, adaptable, and flexible in their approach, constantly considering the complexities of the wider coaching process. In this article, we discuss how coaching practices have the potential to be enhanced by integrating key principles from both traditional and contemporary (CLA) approaches to adapt practice to the emerging situation and meet the skill development needs of their athletes while considering the intricacies and subtleties that typify real-world coaching environments.

Conserving Thailand's Wooden Built Heritage: Developments, Approaches, and Current Challenges

This study investigated the developments and current status of stakeholders involved in preserving wooden heritage in Thailand, specifically from the government, private sectors, and academia. The methodologies consisted of documentary analyses, in-depth interviews, and on-site observations of wooden conservation sites. The findings revealed three periods in the development of wooden built heritage: government-led building registration, the evolution of conservation approaches by various stakeholders including private and academic entities, and a collaborative phase emphasizing intangible aspects such as craftsmanship. The study examined current wooden conservation approaches, expanding from traditional methods applied in registered buildings to contemporary and flexible conservation approaches in non-registered buildings. In the non-registered building type within the private sector, there was a need to assess multidimensional aspects beyond cultural values. The results also highlighted several challenges in the preservation of wooden built heritage in Thai context. Firstly, there was the issue of wood resource management. Secondly, the challenge arose in conservation mechanisms such as analyzing drawings, conducting proper surveys, and maintaining carpenter skills. Lastly, the challenge was also encountered in the maintenance of wooden built heritage. The study recommended conservation support for the private sector, addressing their lack of regulatory protection. Firstly, it proposed the implementation of flexible policies or regulations that are specifically designed for wooden heritage. Secondly, the study suggested establishing supportive information platforms dedicated to wood-related knowledge. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of raising public awareness in preserving wooden built heritage.

Impact of technology on upgrading slums and the moderating role of upstream influences: a contemporary approach to urban planning

This study aimed to determine the effect of technology on the upgradation of slums in Islamabad, along with the moderating role of upstream influences between them. With this concern, the researcher used a quantitative research design, and to accumulate the data, a closed-ended survey questionnaire was chosen. The sample size considered in this research was 293 participants belonging to the urban planning sector of Islamabad. To evaluate the data and hypothesized model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. It was also revealed that upward influences moderated the association between technology and slum upgradation significantly, particularly regarding governance, religion, and gender roles. However, this research is limited to Islamabad only; therefore, the implications of this study cannot be generalized. Consequently, it has been recommended that upward influences based on crime and mafia, along with governance, should be controlled to upgrade Islamabad-based slums.

How Should a Teacher Be According to The Teacher’s Views?

Identifying and enhancing teacher competencies and qualifications is crucial for advancing the quality of education. This qualitative study aimed to explore teachers' qualifications and self-perceptions through interviews with 78 teachers across various disciplines. The objective was to understand discrepancies between teachers' self-views and critical perceptions of colleagues, thereby identifying essential competencies. Semi-structured interviews, employing a qualitative approach, facilitated a thorough exploration of teacher perspectives. The study group included classroom, English, Turkish, math, science, philosophy, religious culture, computer, biology, history, chemistry, physical education, music, Turkish language, literature, painting, and physics teachers. Open-ended questions elicited opinions on colleague qualifications, essential teacher competencies, and self-perceptions. The findings revealed that experienced teachers demonstrated higher confidence, while beginners expressed a commitment to improvement. Communication skills, empathy, love for students, subject knowledge, self-development, patience, tolerance, and passion for teaching were highlighted as crucial competencies. Teachers emphasized the need for a balance between personal and professional qualities, advocating for pedagogical formation, contemporary teaching approaches, and technology proficiency. The study concludes that continuous professional development is vital, emphasizing the importance of both human-oriented qualities and technical competencies for effective teaching. This research provides a foundation for raising teachers' awareness of competence assessment and development, urging educational institutions to support ongoing teacher growth.

Graphene nanoribbons grown in hBN stacks for high-performance electronics.

Van der Waals encapsulation of two-dimensional materials in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) stacks is a promising way to create ultrahigh-performance electronic devices1-4. However, contemporary approaches for achieving van der Waals encapsulation, which involve artificial layer stacking using mechanical transfer techniques, are difficult to control, prone to contamination and unscalable. Here we report the transfer-free direct growth of high-quality graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) in hBN stacks. The as-grown embedded GNRs exhibit highly desirable features being ultralong (up to 0.25 mm), ultranarrow (<5 nm) and homochiral with zigzag edges. Our atomistic simulations show that the mechanism underlying the embedded growth involves ultralow GNR friction when sliding between AA'-stacked hBN layers. Using the grown structures, we demonstrate the transfer-free fabrication of embedded GNR field-effect devices that exhibit excellent performance at room temperature with mobilities of up to 4,600 cm2 V-1 s-1 and on-off ratios of up to 106. This paves the way for the bottom-up fabrication of high-performance electronic devices based on embedded layered materials.

Transtheoretical and transdiagnostic models in the treatment of anxiety

This text explores a comprehensive and contemporary approach to addressing anxiety, focusing on the concepts of transtheoretical diagnoses and transdiagnostic treatments. The complexity of anxiety and the need to consider multiple dimensions, such as biological, behavioral, cognitive, systemic and spiritual factors, are recognized. The importance of making a complete diagnosis that includes the patient's personal history is highlighted and the relevance of a multidimensional treatment that combines psychoeducation, relaxation techniques and verbal therapy is underlined.

Diagnostic Approach to Penetrating Neck Trauma: What You Need to Know.

Diagnostic evaluation of penetrating neck trauma has evolved considerably over the last several decades. The contemporary approach to these injuries is based primarily on clinical signs of injury and multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA). The neck is evaluated as a unit, rather than relying on the surface anatomy zones in which external injuries are seen to guide the workup of internal injuries. This "no-zone" approach safely spares many patients from negative explorations and unnecessary invasive tests. The purpose of this review is to describe an evidence-based approach to the diagnostic evaluation of penetrating neck trauma, including indications for adjunctive testing beyond physical exam and MDCTA.

Abstract 6753: Bria-OTS immunotherapy platform: Harnessing gene-modified tumor cells to reinvigorate the cancer immunity cycle for precision anti-tumor responses

Abstract Background: For an immune response to lead to an effective anti-tumor response, a series of stepwise events involving a complex network of iterative cellular and molecular interactions must take place. Cancer, however, often derails this immune cycle, prompting contemporary cancer immunotherapy approaches to seek its reinstatement. Despite significant advances, the inherent disruption of the cancer immunity cycle at multiple junctures, coupled with current therapeutic strategies focusing on isolated stages within this intricate process, has left the attainment of curative therapies as an aspirational goal. We believe that targeting multiple immune processes can restore natural anti-cancer immunity and yield sustained responses. To this end, BriaCell is utilizing gene-modified tumor cells as an immunotherapeutic platform. Our initial version, SV-BR-1-GM, a breast cancer cell line expressing GM-CSF, demonstrates promising clinical outcomes by directly activating CD4+ T-cells in an antigen-specific, HLA-restricted manner. Building on our findings, we hypothesize that tumor cells not only supply antigens but also directly stimulate the immune system. Presenting our second-generation platform, we enhance antigen cross-presentation and direct immune activation through the expression of cytokines, co-stimulatory factors, and HLA alleles. Methods: To achieve this objective, we have developed Bria-OTS cell lines derived from various cancer types with the following genetic modifications: 1) Expression of costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, 4-1BBL, CD40) and immunomodulatory cytokines (GM-CSF, IFNα, IL-12 and IL-7). This modification aims to improve the cell's ability to present antigens and activate the host immune system. 2) Expanding HLA alleles to create semi-allogeneic cell lines matching at least one HLA allele across the population aims to enhance the host immune response, enabling recognition of tumor-associated antigens in the context of syngeneic HLA molecules Results: We generated four cell lines for each tumor type, and these cell lines secreted GM-CSF, IFNα, IL12 &amp; IL7, while also expressing CD80, CD86, CD40, and different combinations of both Class I and Class II HLA alleles. In functional assays, our cell lines demonstrated potent antigen presentation, effectively triggering anti-tumor immune responses across diverse immune populations, including T-, NK, and NKT cells. Conclusions: The Bria-OTS cell lines will offer the following key features: 1) multimodal mechanisms of action including thwarting some mechanisms of cancer immune escape. 2) Precision Therapy; Bria-OTS will be precisely matched to individual patients based on their HLA alleles, encompassing over 99% of the U.S. population. 3) rapid, cost-effective treatment as our 'off-the-shelf' cell lines eliminate the need for personalized manufacturing. Citation Format: Miguel A. Lopez-Lago, Vikas Bhardwaj, Pravin Kesarwani, Xiaoyi Zheng, Sagarika Pachhal, Patience Cournoo, Renee Cortez, Charles L. Wiseman, William V. Williams. Bria-OTS immunotherapy platform: Harnessing gene-modified tumor cells to reinvigorate the cancer immunity cycle for precision anti-tumor responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6753.

Surgical Treatment of Adenomyosis

Abstract Purpose of Review Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. The aim of the review is to describe contemporary surgical approaches for adenomyosis. Recent Findings Hysterectomy has been standard practice for the treatment of adenomyosis for many years. However, uterine-sparing interventions have emerged recently allowing patients to retain or even enhance their fertility. If there is no wish for further fertility and no desire for uterine preservation, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis. Otherwise, the objectives of surgery are (a) to remove most (ideally the whole) of the adenomyotic tissue, (b) to preserve the integrity of the endometrial cavity, (c) to reconstruct the uterus, and (d) to preserve the functionality of the ovaries and the tubes. The following surgical methods have been proposed for uterus-sparing treatment of adenomyosis: classical excision of adenomyotic tissue after a single incision of the uterus, wedge resection, double- or triple-flap method, transverse H incision, and the PUSH technique. Post-operative clinical outcomes are in favor of fertility-sparing surgery of adenomyosis. The reduction of dysmenorrhea after uterus-sparing surgery for adenomyosis ranges from 54.6 to 84.6%. The reduction of menorrhagia ranges from 50.0 to 73.7%. The total delivery rate in patients who have undergone any uterus-sparing surgery for adenomyosis is 46.9%. Summary In conclusion, hysterectomy has traditionally been the primary treatment for adenomyosis in women. However, contemporary medicine offers several excisional and non-excisional techniques for patients who wish to preserve their fertility.

Evolution of Food and Nutrition Policy: A Tasmanian Case Study from 1994 to 2023.

Food security is a concept with evolving definitions and meanings, shaped by contested knowledge and changing contexts. The way in which food security is understood by governments impacts how it is addressed in public policy. This research investigates the evolution of discourses and practices in Tasmanian food and nutrition policies from 1994 to 2023. Four foundational documents were analysed using qualitative document analysis, revealing persistent food insecurity issues over three decades. The analysis identified a duality in addressing the persistent policy challenges of nutrition-related health issues and food insecurity: the balancing act between advancing public health improvements and safeguarding Tasmania's economy. The research revealed that from 1994 to 2023, Tasmania's food and nutrition policies and strategies have been characterised by various transitions and tensions. Traditional approaches, predominantly emphasising food availability and, to a limited extent, access, have persisted for over thirty years. The transition towards a more contemporary approach to food security, incorporating dimensions of utilisation, stability, sustainability, and agency, has been markedly slow, indicating systemic inertia. This points to an opportunity for future policy evolution, to move towards a dynamic and comprehensive approach. Such an approach would move beyond the narrow focus of food availability to address the complex multi-dimensional nature of food security.

Impact of transformational leadership on service delivery behaviours of frontline service employees

This study examines how transformational leadership translates into critical service behaviours of FSEs in a B2B services context. A sequential mixed-method approach has been employed to formulate and examine the research questions. Semi-structured interviews of FSEs (N = 25) have been analyzed using the Gioia method – a variant of grounded theory. Based on the findings of study 1, a conceptual model has been developed and tested quantitatively employing PLS-SEM in study 2 (N = 469). Recommended robustness checks and guidelines have been followed to report accurate findings. The higher-order themes identified from the Gioia method reveal that transformational leadership influences the prescribed service delivery behaviour (PSDB) and proactive customer service behaviour (PCSB) of FSEs. The findings also suggest a potential influence of affective commitment and role-breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) on FSE behaviours. The quantitative study results suggest that transformational leadership's influence on PSDB is partially mediated by affective commitment, and the influence of transformational leadership on PCSB is fully mediated by affective commitment and RBSE. This study examines the effect of transformational leadership on FSE behaviours in the B2B services sector of India which is growing remarkably in the global landscape. The study has undertaken a more contemporary approach towards the conceptualization of transformational leadership. Additionally, the mixed-method approach enhances the reliability and validity of the research.

Analysis of Turkish Curriculum at the Middle School Level Prepared during the Republican Era

This study examines Turkish Curriculums during the Republican Era, focusing on objectives, learning outcomes, content, teaching-learning processes, and evaluation dimensions. Analyzing 11 curriculums (1924, 1929, 1931-32, 1938, 1949, 1962, 1981, 2006, 2015, 2017, and 2019), we obtained five primary sources and accessed the remaining sources through the examination of 289 previous studies. Through document analysis, we present changes in components, objectives, domains, themes, methods, and assessment in the programs. Although there were no significant modifications from 1949 to 1981 and from 1981 to 2006, the Ministry of National Education has continuously changed programs. Findings reveal various approaches to Turkish language education, with significant changes after 2006, particularly in reading and comprehension skills. These changes reflect evolving educational goals and global trends. The study emphasizes the need for continuous development and adopting contemporary educational approaches in Turkish Curriculums to meet changing needs and ensure progress in the education system.

Ligand Exchange Reaction between Ferrocene and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: A Contemporary Approach.

Ligand exchange reaction (LER) between carbon nanoparticles and ferrocene (Cp2Fe) was conducted several times, but there was no convincing evidence of half-sandwich CpFe+ coordination to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). In this study, MWCNT is modified by LER with ferrocene using AlCl3/Al as a catalytic system. The modified MWCNT (Fc-MWCNT) are investigated for better understanding of the processes taking place on the surface of MWCNT using different spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. The formation of the Fe-C covalent bond between CpFe+ and MWCNT is confirmed by changes in the Raman spectrum of Fc-MWCNT compared to pristine MWCNT. The densest structure of Fc-MWCNT is investigated by transmission electronic microscopy. According to density-functional theory calculations of the model interaction between Fe and coronene, the Fe-C bond length is 2.1687-2.1855 Å. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also confirms the coordination of the Fe atom to MWCNT by analysis of oxidation states of Fe 2p and deconvolution of C 1s. Utilization of cyclic voltammetry corroborated MWCNT modification via LER. These data are important for both theoretical and practical applications due to increased interest in LER-modified compounds in different areas including thermoelectric devices, sensors, and its potential application in the field of molecular machine construction.

MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY: ADVANCEMENTS IN TEACHING APPROACHES AT MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES

This article addresses the pressing issues of training modern medical and dental doctors as well as masters in biology at higher medical institutions, examining contemporary theoretical and practical approaches to integrating medical physiology as a fundamental medical amd biological discipline. It delves into current challenges in teaching physiology within the modern educational landscape, particularly focusing on the Department of Physiology at the Poltava State Medical University. This discipline is delivered by the Department of Physiology for students of the second (Master) level of higher education in the field "Healthcare" and "Biology". Physiology is a cornerstone discipline that fosters interdisciplinary integration in medical education, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in clinical settings. Emphasizing a practically oriented teaching principle, the article underscores the pivotal role of physiology in preparing students for clinical practice. The department adopts a comprehensive approach, developing and updating educational materials and manuals, including laboratory work with detailed descriptions of physiological research methods. Highlighting the department's achievements, it mentions their contribution to the first Ukrainian translation of the renowned physiology textbook "Medical Physiology” by Guyton and Hall in two volumes. It concludes by stressing the importance of enhancing the quality of education in medical institutions through continuous improvements in teaching practices, integration of advanced scientific developments and technologies, and the provision of modern educational resources and facilities, particularly in the field of physiology, which serves as the theoretical backbone of clinical medicine.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a focus on post-dissection care for the vascular medicine clinician.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon condition which is increasingly recognized as a cause of significant morbidity. SCAD can cause acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction (MI), as well as sudden cardiac death. It presents similarly to atherosclerotic MI although typically in patients with few or no atherosclerotic risk factors, and particularly in women. As more patients are recognized to have this condition, there is a great need for clinician familiarity with diagnostic criteria, as well as with contemporary treatment approaches, and with appropriate patient-centered counseling, including genetic testing, exercise recommendations, and psychological care. The standard of care for patients with SCAD is rapidly evolving. This review therefore summarizes the diagnosis of SCAD, epidemiology, modern treatment, cardiac rehabilitation and preconception counseling, and the current approach to genetic testing, exercise recommendations, and psychological care, all of which are crucial to the vascular medicine specialist.