Critical Nature Research Articles

A cascade training protocol for schoolteachers on oral health: Investigating the influence of primary and secondary mentors.

Oral health holds paramount importance for overall well-being, particularly among school-aged children, where inadequate oral health can cause significant discomfort and impede educational performance. Despite its critical nature, oral health awareness and practices within Indian school communities remain suboptimal. There exists an urgent necessity for efficacious educational initiatives to bridge this gap and foster oral health awareness among both schoolteachers and students. This monitored training introduces a pioneering cascade model training initiative aimed at evaluating its impact on enhancing oral health knowledge among schoolteachers and students in Indian schools. A total of 100 school teachers from 50 Centre government schools will undergo training in two distinct sessions. Following this, two teachers from each school will be selected to further train 24 class monitors from grades 6-9, who will subsequently impart knowledge to approximately 40 students per class. This phase of the training will be ongoing, ensuring training consistency through online supervision and active participation of the expert team in training activities with newly designated master trainers. Pre- and post-training assessments will be conducted at each level to gauge the monitored training's effectiveness. The entire training is projected to conclude within a year. This cascade model monitored training initiative represents a novel approach in promoting oral health awareness in Indian schools, marking a pioneering endeavor in this domain. Through this program, we aim to empower 1200 class monitors as master trainers and reach approximately 24,000 school students across 480 supervised training sessions. The establishment of master trainers through a cascade process, coupled with the engagement of the CDER expert team, ensures accurate dissemination of information at every stage. The comprehensive evaluation facilitated by pre- and post-training assessments at each level further enhances the program's effectiveness, laying a solid foundation for future oral health initiatives within school communities.

The beginnings of modern Czech poetry as reflected in journal reviews

The paper considers how critical reviews in Central European journals could contribute to the formation of modern Czech poetry at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries and in the first two decades of the 19th century, until the disputes around 1817 about prosody and poetic autonomy in general significantly affected its discourse. It places these mostly anonymous reviews within the broader framework of reviews of poetry in German and Czech from the Bohemian Lands, especially those in the major review journals (Jenaische allgemeine Literatur-Zeitung, Leipziger Literatur- Zeitung, Annalen der österreichischen Literatur, etc.), in which Bohemian and Moravian contributors also found a place, given the obstacles to the development of domestic periodicals. It argues that this criticism had discussed the constitution of a modern authorial type, which was, however, especially in domestic Bohemian and Moravian post-revolutionary conditions strongly concentrated on general social benefit of literature. Early Czech-language poets of Antonín Jaroslav Puchmajer’s circle asserted themselves with a similar social emphasis in self-criticism in the Viennese Annalen, taking into account the still partly scholarly nature of period criticism and representative values of Czech as a kingdom’s language. Characteristically of this scholarly-publicist criticism in contemporary Central Europe, most attention was paid to works such as Joseph Müller’s translation of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign, Meinert’s Der Fylgie or The Manuscript of Dvůr Králové, that could “shed light” on the former role of poetry for nations and open up ways for its modern authors (see similar German discussions on the Nibelungenlied among emerging national philologists and poets).

The Impact of Job Stress on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Police: A Study on Chattogram, Bangladesh

This study explores the prevalent issue of job stress among Bangladesh Police and its significant effects on their mental health and overall well-being. It highlights the critical nature of the profession and the inherent stressors involved, to achieve better organizational and mental health outcomes. The study combines quantitative and qualitative data adopting a mixed method with an explanatory design. This study includes insights from eight experts (Key Informant Interviews-KII) and surveys 128 police personnel to observe the relationships among job stress, job satisfaction, and mental health. The results unveil a significant finding: many officers (65%) go in a high-stress environment, which correlates with a prominent level of job dissatisfaction (68%) primarily due to inadequate salary and benefits compared to their workload. Moreover, about 78% of respondents have experienced some form of mental disturbance, attributed to their work pressure. Mental health issues, including sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression, were also prevalent among the officers. A substantial connection was found with job stress and mental health (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), as well as stuck between job stress and job satisfaction (r = -0.58, p < 0.01). The study recommends increasing salaries, improving working conditions, and reducing duty hours as potential solutions to mitigate these issues. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that alleviating job stress and improving job satisfaction could significantly enhance the overall job quality and welfare of Bangladesh Police. Future studies should discover the effectiveness of different interventions, such as stress management training, and organizational changes, in enhancing the well-being of the police force.

AN INTEGRATED MACHINE LEARNING FRAMEWORK FOR ACCURATE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREDICTION

This paper introduces an advanced real-time system designed to predict cardiovascular diseases with integrated machine learning. Cardiovascular diseases, with the highest global mortality rate, have become increasingly prevalent, straining healthcare systems worldwide. These diseases, driven by factors such as high blood pressure, stress, age, gender, and cholesterol levels, have prompted numerous early diagnosis approaches, but their accuracy requires refinement due to the critical nature of cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents the DLCDD (Deep Learning based Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis) framework, specifically addressing data-related challenges such as missing values and imbalances. The mean replacement technique is employed for handling missing values, while the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) is utilized to address imbalances in the dataset. In essence, DLCDD represents a significant advance in precise cardiovascular disease prediction, uniting deep learning with cutting-edge data processing and feature selection methods, addressing critical diagnostic challenges.

A Multi-Center Retrospective Database Evaluation of Pediatric Subjects Diagnosed With Methemoglobinemia.

Methemoglobinemia requires early identification and treatment, but limited knowledge exists regarding the current therapeutic approach taken by clinicians as well as the outcomes that occur in children. To determine the current prevalence of this rare disease in the pediatric population, evaluate the impact of methemoglobin and functional hemoglobin levels, and assess how this disease is approached by clinicians. We hypothesize that methemoglobinemia prevalence is low and more methylene blue use would be observed in subjects with functional hemoglobin levels less than 7 g/dL. This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing deidentified TriNetX® electronic health record (EHR) data. Using a multicenter EHR database, we evaluated subjective characteristics, diagnostic, laboratory results, medication, and procedural codes. Ninety-eight children (mean age 5.3 ± 5.3 years) from 53 healthcare organizations were included. Methemoglobinemia prevalence was 0.0015% with an overall 30-day mortality of 6.1%. Subjects with methemoglobin percentages greater than 20% had a higher frequency of methylene blue administration (70.6% versus 24.7%, P = .0005). Critical care service requirements and methylene blue administration were similar in the subjects with functional hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL and more than 7 g/dL groups. Overall, 13 (13.2%) subjects underwent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) testing. In our study, we found methemoglobinemia prevalence in children is low, there is a low frequency of G6PD testing despite methylene blue hemolysis risk, and subjects appeared to be treated similarly despite a low functional hemoglobin. These findings highlight the continued critical nature of this disease and may highlight opportunities for education aimed at improving care in children diagnosed with methemoglobinemia, particularly related to G6PD testing.

Global Health Security in the Age of Transnational Malicious Cyber Operations: A Taxonomic Analysis of Non-State and State-Backed Cyber Threats

The paper emphasises the critical nature of the cybersecurity threats to the global healthcare sector. The examination of quantitative and qualitative research results from official reports, bulletins, and journals is combined in the study to demonstrate the scope and impact of non-state and state-backed malicious cyber operations directed at healthcare systems. In today's digital age, cyber operations against the healthcare sector are increasing in rate and becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, the paper is relevant. The paper's subject is analysing the nature, scope, and consequences of malicious cyber activity; it examines how it can impact healthcare systems, patient privacy, and public health. By analysing recent incidents, conducting a taxonomic analysis, and proposing some general strategies to enhance healthcare protection in the face of cybersecurity threats, the paper sheds light on the critically important issue of cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector, which is the purpose of the paper. The study's novelty is that this paper offers a taxonomic analysis of cybersecurity threats that provides a structured framework to understand the threats and propose some general suggestions to enhance the protection of the global healthcare sector. Brief conclusions: 1) State-backed malicious cyber operations can significantly compromise the quality of healthcare and patient safety; 2) Decision-making centers in the healthcare sector are recommended to pay attention to the need to modernize cybersecurity policies since, as studies show, more and more healthcare organisations are becoming victims of transnational malicious cyber operations.

A RARE CAUSE OF ENCEPHALOPATHY IN CHILDREN: PRES SYNDROME

Background: Major clinical symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome include headache, mental status changes, visual disturbances, seizures, especially in the posterior cerebral region, and radiographic findings of vasogenic edema, especially in the posterior cerebellar region. Case Report: We present our 6-year-old patient with chronic renal failure. admitted to our pediatric emergency department with an acute hypertensive crisis. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures and mental status changes were accompanied in the follow-up of the patient whose GCS was 11; With symptomatic treatment, regression in both clinical complaints and imaging findings of our patient is consistent with Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Conclusion: It is imperative to consider PRES syndrome as a differential diagnosis when pediatric patients exhibit symptoms of acute encephalopathy. It is crucial to emphasize the critical nature of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the potential for complete recovery without sequelae.

Altered place engagement since COVID-19: A multi-method study of community participation and health among older americans

Little is known about longer-term changes to community participation since the COVID-19 pandemic onset and potential implications for health and wellbeing in later life. This multi-method investigation analyzes national data from the COVID-19 Coping Study. Statistical analyses of survey data (n = 1,630; mean age 67.9 years; data collected April/May 2022) identified that adults residing in the US still tended to stay inside their homes more often since the pandemic onset. Overall, participants decreased their engagement with amenities such as eateries, gyms, and arts and cultural sites. Reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 57; mean age 70.7 years; data collected May-July 2021) identified altered community participation with perceived long-term impacts on physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing. The results provide novel insights about the critical nature of ‘third places’ to support later life, and policy implications to strengthen community environments. Investment in outdoor, well-ventilated, and distanced third places may support wellbeing.

Critical materials and PV cells interconnection

Assessment of the critical nature of a material for an application is a relevant notion to anticipate supply issues for an application and a territory. To establish a list of the critical materials, we have developed an approach taking into account geological scarcity, deployment logistics and societal aspects. This article aims to apply this framework to photovoltaic (PV) module interconnection. We draw the conclusion that even if concerns of critical materials are focused on Silver (Ag) scarcity (on metallization part), interconnection materials such as Tin (Sn) and Bismuth (Bi) are even more critical, mainly due to their mostly dispersive uses. This leads us to a standard module conception analysis and emphasizes the interest of improving a more modularized PV module architecture in order to improve high value recycling. An example of such a conception is given with NICE concept. Another example offering a way to optimize metallization conception toward a less consuming pattern is also described.

A Neutrosophic Decision-Making Methods of the Key Aspects for Supply Chain Management in International Business Administrations

The importance of supply chain management in the field of international business administration is investigated in this study. Global businesses rely heavily on effective supply chain management, which coordinates the international transfer of materials, data, and money. The paper illuminates the critical nature of supply chain management on a worldwide scale. Distance, cultural differences, legal constraints, and logistics are only some of the problems and complexity of international supply chain management that are explored in this article. Topics covered include supplier selection and management, demand forecasting, inventory control, transportation, and distribution network design, as well as other techniques used by businesses to improve their worldwide supply chains. The study also discusses how international supply networks are affected by globalization, free trade agreements, and geopolitical considerations. Organizational strategies for overcoming hurdles such as tariffs, quotas, and political instability in international commerce are discussed. This paper used the neutrosophic sets (NSs) to deal with uncertainty in assessment factors of supply chains in international business. The NS is integrated with the DEMATEL method. The neutrosophic DEMATEL is used to show relationships between factors.

A remark on Gibbs measures with log-correlated Gaussian fields

Abstract We study Gibbs measures with log-correlated base Gaussian fields on the d-dimensional torus. In the defocusing case, the construction of such Gibbs measures follows from Nelson’s argument. In this paper, we consider the focusing case with a quartic interaction. Using the variational formulation, we prove nonnormalizability of the Gibbs measure. When $d = 2$ , our argument provides an alternative proof of the nonnormalizability result for the focusing $\Phi ^4_2$ -measure by Brydges and Slade (1996). Furthermore, we provide a precise rate of divergence, where the constant is characterized by the optimal constant for a certain Bernstein’s inequality on $\mathbb R^d$ . We also go over the construction of the focusing Gibbs measure with a cubic interaction. In the appendices, we present (a) nonnormalizability of the Gibbs measure for the two-dimensional Zakharov system and (b) the construction of focusing quartic Gibbs measures with smoother base Gaussian measures, showing a critical nature of the log-correlated Gibbs measure with a focusing quartic interaction.

A Muḥaddith Sūfī or a Sūfī Muḥaddith? An Evaluation of General Characteristics of the Sūfī Approaches to Ḥadīths

This study concentrates on central points of criticism addressed to Sufis by more traditionalist and normative scholars of Islam from classical period, especially by the ḥadīth authorities (muḥaddithūn), in the ḥadīth methodology (uṣūl al-ḥadīth). It analyzes peculiar characteristics of Sufis in ḥadīth narration in comparison with the mainstream methodology of the muḥaddithūn, with a special focus on the Sufis’ emphasis on the internal and spiritual dimensions of the ḥadīths. The study lists a number of critical scholarly issues around which the Sufi approaches to ḥadīths are formulated and criticized, like their alleged omission of the transmission chains (sanads) of ḥadīths; their general tendency to narrate the ḥadīths in meaning (ma‘nā) rather than in literal wording (lafẓ); their ḥadīth narration relying on spiritual unveiling (kashf), inspiration (ilhām) and dream (ru’yā); their interpretations (ta’wīl) of the ḥadīths on the basis of their specific way of thinking; and their belief of the existence of certain mysterious ḥadīths. Providing a survey of such scholarly issues between the members of the Sufis and muḥaddithūn, this study examines the nature of such criticisms on the basis of the writings of certain authoritative figures in the history of Sufism, including Abū Ṭālib al-Makkī, Abū al-Qāsim al-Qushayrī, and Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn al-‘Arabī.

Exploring Radical Pedagogies

For architects, mere spatial visualization has ceased to suffice. They are now mandated to formulate fresh narratives pertaining to pioneering modes of engagement within novel sociocultural contexts. In turn, Architectural education, responsible for training the future builders of the world, plays a significant role in response to these demands and in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and fair built environment. However, mismatches between existing educational structures and evolving needs signal the necessity for reevaluating teaching practices.
 In the 1960s and 1970s, the proximity between the concepts radical and utopia to Architectural education led to pioneering pedagogical experiments, representing a significant innovation in the field. The importance of their revival has found resonance in recent theories, sowing the seeds of future pedagogical ecologies at a time when the future of pedagogical radicalism faces new challenges. Thus, and at a time when Architectural education faces a significant crisis, this article strives to (re)unite the concepts of radical and utopia, which have drifted apart from the academic realm, underscoring the necessity of their rooting in Architectural training and practice by understanding and validating their potential.
 When delving into the topic of radical pedagogies in Architectural education, by superficially analysing the process behind their construction, a cohesive framework of criteria that underpin these initiatives can be inferred: their critical, revolutionary, reformist, and transgressive nature as well as the nearly symbiotic presence — varying in degrees of intensity and with rare exceptions — of utopia at their core. In this context, the present study reveals the definition of a qualitative “Utopian Lens" towards the production of a taxonomy, built from a comprehensive review of published case studies.
 This reflection, with a specific focus on eagle-eye the presence of utopia at their core, highlights fundamental elements within the structure of these approaches, allowing a categorized reading of the corpus of analysis, showcasing recuring patterns within the scope of the ongoing research. This process provided a collection that shows that utopia can be conveyed through radical pedagogies as a (1) Drive, across various types of (2) Thought, taking on multiple (3) Forms while embracing a wide array of diverse yet complementary (4) Principles.
 Cover page: Creation of models for project presentation to the community. (Source: Collage by the Author)

Advance Multi-Gas Detection System for Optimal Safety

Indoor air quality is a growing concern, particularly the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other hazardous gases, which can pose significant health risks and diminish safety. Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, this paper detailsthe development of an advanced environmental monitoring system designed to detect elevated levels of CO2 and other potentially dangerous gases. Our approach synthesizes various research methods, including requirement gathering, literature review, and user surveys, to inform system conception and implementation. The resulting device integrates highly sensitive sensors for CO2, CO, LPG, smoke, and additional hazardous gas detection, all governed by a microcontroller at the system's nucleus. This technology is augmented by a comprehensive alarm strategy—encompassing audio alerts, text messages, emails, and mobile application notifications—together with a user-friendly display interface. The system is also endowed with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, offering users the convenience of real-time monitoring and control through a web dashboard and a dedicated mobile application. Moreover, the device boasts the ability to monitor environmental parameters like temperature and humidity, providing a holistic view of indoor air conditions. Key results indicate a significant improvement in detection response time and accuracy, with the enhanced communication features facilitating swift and effective alerts to users. These advancements mark a stride toward safer indoor environments, potentially mitigating the risks associated with poor air quality.

Design of emergency solar energy system adjacent the nuclear power plant to prevent nuclear accidents and increase safety

Providing sufficient energy in emergency situations in nuclear power plants is of great importance due to their crucial role in improving power plant safety and eliminating disasters.Solar power is capable of providing a secure energy source which could be used for emergency power loads. The main goal of this study is application of solar energy for providing emergency loads of the Tehran research reactor. A 100 kW solar power plant connected to the grid and 400 kWh battery pack which is capable of providing 50 kw loads for 8 h is designed. As the first priority, the plant charges the battery pack and discharges excess energy to the power grid. Therefore, the proposed scheme, in addition to increasing safety, also has economic benefits. Design procedure of the power plant was carried out using PVsyst which is international well known software for designing solar power plants and results were investigated. Economic evaluation of the project is carried out using RETSCREEN software and different schemes are evaluated. Due to the critical nature of the power loads and their sensitivity, application of this scheme for providing emergency energy loads of the Tehran research reactor is suggested. Considering the expansion of nuclear safety and the protection of the environment and humanity, we request the respected editors and reviewers of the journal to have positive opinions about the publication of the article.

Review of Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Grasping: Analysis and Recommendations

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of over 100 research papers focused on the challenges of robotic grasping and the effectiveness of various machine learning techniques, particularly those utilizing Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). The objective of this review is to simplify the research process for others by gathering different forms of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) grasping tasks in one place. Through a thorough analysis of the literature, the study emphasizes the critical nature of grasping for robots and how DRL techniques, particularly the Soft-Actor-Critic (SAC) strategy, have demonstrated high efficiency in handling the task. The results of this study hold significant implications for the development of more advanced and efficient grasping systems for robots. Continued research in this area is crucial to further enhance the capabilities of robots in handling complex and challenging tasks, such as grasping.

Understanding Fc function for rational vaccine design against pathogens.

Antibodies represent the primary correlate of immunity following most clinically approved vaccines. However, their mechanisms of action vary from pathogen to pathogen, ranging from neutralization, to opsonophagocytosis, to cytotoxicity. Antibody functions are regulated both by antigen specificity (Fab domain) and by the interaction of their Fc domain with distinct types of Fc receptors (FcRs) present in immune cells. Increasing evidence highlights the critical nature of Fc:FcR interactions in controlling pathogen spread and limiting the disease state. Moreover, variation in Fc-receptor engagement during the course of infection has been demonstrated across a range of pathogens, and this can be further influenced by prior exposure(s)/immunizations, age, pregnancy, and underlying health conditions. Fc:FcR functional variation occurs at the level of antibody isotype and subclass selection as well as post-translational modification of antibodies that shape Fc:FcR-interactions. These factors collectively support a model whereby the immune system actively harnesses and directs Fc:FcR interactions to fight disease. By defining the precise humoral mechanisms that control infections, as well as understanding how these functions can be actively tuned, it may be possible to open new paths for improving existing or novel vaccines.

Enhanced Reverse-Engineering Method for Accurately Predicting Lamina Properties in Laminated Composites via Combined Static and Dynamic Finite Element Simulations

This study aims to ascertain the material characteristics that are intrinsic to the prepreg layer within a laminated composite structure. The elastic modulus of the lamina, a primary determinant of composite structural behavior, is the focal point of this analysis. This parameter has been assessed by employing reverse-engineering techniques on a composite composed of sequentially stacked prepregs. The investigation entailed simulating the behavior of the composite under static loads and conducting modal analyses to reflect both static and dynamic conditions. The findings indicate that the elastic modulus values derived from combined tensile and modal analysis simulations exhibit superior accuracy compared to those obtained through tensile simulation alone. Specifically, the maximum prediction error for E1 (the tensile-direction elastic modulus of one lamina sheet) decreased from 1.17% to 0.28%, and that of E2 (the transverse-direction elastic modulus of one lamina sheet) decreased from 12.01% to 7.30%. Further simulations incorporating fabrication error variances underscored the critical nature of precise E2 analysis. The proposed methodology evidenced a more accurate assessment of E2, underscoring its potential to enhance the reverse-engineering process in composite material design.

Residual performance of hollow RC piers damaged by rockfall impact

Recently, hollow reinforced concrete (RC) piers have been increasingly utilized in bridge structures located in mountainous regions, owing to their high strength-to-mass ratio and stiffness-to-mass ratio. Among various natural disasters, rockfall poses a major threat to the serviceability and safety of bridge piers, potentially leading to a reduction in bearing capacity or even complete collapse. Given the critical nature of repairing or reinforcing bridges, this paper aims to enhance the understanding of the residual performance of hollow RC piers against rockfall impact. A simulation framework for hollow piers subjected to rockfall impact is developed using LS-DYNA and validated against available experimental data. Utilizing this validated framework, extensive numerical simulations have been conducted to investigate the effect of various parameters such as impact energy, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, stirrup ratio, and axial force ratio on the localized damage patterns and residual capacity of hollow piers. In addition, the relationship between the rupture width of the front panel and the resulting reduction in axial capacity is discussed. These results indicate the impact force and resistance mechanism of hollow piers are governed by the interaction between the rockfall and hollow section. The rupture width of the front panel notably increases with the impact energy, and increasing the stirrup ratio could reduce the concrete spalling. However, the axial force demonstrates minimal influence on the localized damage of the front panel when the rockfall diameter is less than the front panel width. The residual capacity of an impact-damaged hollow pier mainly relies on the rupture width of the front panel. These findings would contribute to the fast prediction of the residual capacity of hollow RC piers after rockfall impact.

Society 5.0, beyond Industry 4.0

This article offers a contribution to the understanding, structure, and relationship of Society 5.0 with Industry 4.0, emphasizing the implications that these social phenomena have for Mexico. The paper examines multiple perspectives and aims to stimulate further inquirí and discussion, without prescribing specific solutions or recommendations. A qualitative documentary research of a critical and interpretive nature was carried out that reviewed the documents of the last five years regarding three focal themes: Society 5.0, Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings indicate that Society 5.0 is a Japanese counterproposal to the global implementation of Industry 4.0 and the World Economic Forum’s Globalization 4.0 strategy. It aims to achieve technological hegemony through the implementation of cyber-physical systems and the alignment of its social purposes with those outlined in the SDGs by the UN. In the case of Mexico, the development strategy towards the 2030 Agenda does not contain elements of encounter with those delimited by Society 5.0, in addition to which COVID-19 has made the global and national context more uncertain and turbulent.